February 19-20, 2025: Impact of Winter Storm on Eastern North Carolina
A coastal low impacted the Southeastern U.S. from February 19 to 20, 2025, causing widespread winter precipitation across Eastern North Carolina. Accumulated snow, ice, and sleet resulted in tree and power line damage. Significant snowfall was recorded, particularly in Dare and Martin Counties, leading to numerous power outages and hazardous travel conditions.
From February 19 to 20, 2025, a coastal low pressure system traversed the U.S. Gulf Coast, heading northeast along the Southeastern coastline before moving off the Carolinas. This system produced extensive precipitation, which varied with temperature; areas experiencing colder temperatures saw a combination of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Conversely, regions such as the Crystal Coast through the southern Outer Banks mainly received rain. Notably, central North Carolina to southeast Virginia faced accumulating sleet and snow, while ice accumulations between 0.10″ and 0.30″ caused significant damage to trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages.
Winter weather reports compiled by the National Weather Service on February 21 revealed a variety of snowfall and ice accumulation across Eastern North Carolina. Spotters and local observers contributed valuable data regarding the varied winter precipitation types, often changing rapidly. For those interested in becoming official weather spotters, details can be found at the National Weather Service’s website.
Snowfall reports indicated significant totals in several locations. In Dare County, Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk recorded 4.0 inches of snow. Martin County reported 4.5 inches in Robersonville, while Pitt County experienced 1.3 inches in Greenville. Freezing rain accumulations were prevalent, especially in Beaufort County, with Belhaven measuring 0.28 inches of ice. Sleet was also reported, with Vanceboro recording up to 1.8 inches, showcasing the storm’s impact on local communities.
The winter storm from February 19 to 20, 2025, resulted in varied and hazardous winter weather conditions across Eastern North Carolina. Reports of snow, sleet, and freezing rain led to power outages and damage to infrastructure. Continuous monitoring and reporting by local observers provided critical information regarding this impactful weather event, highlighting the importance of community involvement in weather reporting and preparedness.
Original Source: www.weather.gov
