A coastal low impacted Eastern North Carolina from February 19-20, 2025, producing mixed precipitation types, notably sleet and freezing rain. Central North Carolina and southeast Virginia experienced significant snow and sleet accumulation, while regions further south recorded ice accumulation. This led to widespread power outages and structural damage, followed by an extreme drop in temperatures.
On February 19-20, 2025, a coastal low developed along the U.S. Gulf Coast, moving northeast along the Southeast U.S. coastline and off the Carolinas’ coast. This system produced widespread precipitation that varied across regions; areas experiencing below-freezing temperatures encountered a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow. In contrast, the Crystal Coast and southern Outer Banks mainly received rainfall. A significant accumulation of sleet and snow was observed from central North Carolina to southeast Virginia, while areas south witnessed ice accumulation ranging from 0.10″ to 0.30″, causing considerable tree and power line damage and resulting in numerous power outages. Following the winter precipitation, many regions experienced extremely low temperatures, dropping into the teens, particularly inland from the coast.
The winter storm from February 19-20, 2025, significantly impacted Eastern North Carolina through mixed precipitation, including sleet and freezing rain that led to power outages and infrastructural damage. Snow and sleet reports varied across regions, demonstrating the storm’s complexity. The post-storm cold snap further compounded the difficulties for residents in affected areas. The occurrence, documented thoroughly by local weather authorities, emphasizes the need for ongoing public awareness regarding winter weather preparedness.
Original Source: www.weather.gov
