Wilmington Braces for Major Winter Storm

Wilmington residents are bracing for a significant winter storm expected to bring a mix of snow, dangerous cold, and high winds. Snowfall accumulation estimates vary widely, with some models predicting as little as 2 inches and others forecasting up to a foot. The storm is accompanied by a Winter Storm Warning for the Cape Fear region, in effect until Sunday afternoon, with visibility potentially dropping to hazardous levels.

Extremely cold temperatures are also a major concern, with wind chills anticipated to reach as low as 0 degrees Fahrenheit from Saturday evening through Monday morning. This severe cold poses risks of hypothermia and frostbite, prompting advisories for residents to limit outdoor exposure and protect people, pets, plants, and pipes.

In response, New Hanover County has declared a state of emergency to better coordinate resources and emergency response teams. County officials emphasized the high confidence in dangerous cold and likely significant snow, urging residents to stay home. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is also preparing, with crews focused on brining major roads and prioritizing routes to essential services like hospitals, acknowledging that lower-tier roads will take longer to clear.