Advisories/Watches/Warnings
- Cold Weather Advisory (in effect from Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 12 a.m. until Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 11 a.m.)
- Winter Storm Warning (in effect from Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 9 p.m. until Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 8 a.m.)
Very cold air will reside across the area today, Tuesday, Jan. 21, and the abnormally cold temperatures will persist through the week. Make sure people and pets exposed to the cold are safe, and pipes and plants are protected.
Probabilities for snow accumulations have increased, with the highest accumulation rates expected tonight, and with precipitation coming to an end during early Wednesday morning. There is a slight chance (20%) that another storm system could bring wintry precipitation to the area Thursday and Thursday night, and it is too early to determine specific amounts/impacts if any.
Any accumulations of snow/sleet could result in hazardous driving conditions. Individuals are encouraged stay indoors and avoid driving when possible. If you must travel Tuesday night, reduce your speed and leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles. View more winter weather driving safety tips from the N.C. Department of Public Safety and the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Be alert for weather misinformation on social media. Oftentimes, people will show extreme scenarios with no context or a situation with little to no chance of occurring. Use credible sources of information including media partners, emergency managers, and the National Weather Service to get accurate weather information.
Brunswick County is monitoring the weather conditions with our community partners. Community members with questions or assistance needs are encouraged to visit brunswickcountync.gov/assistance.
Individuals who may need sheltering assistance may also contact the following community partners for information:
If you experience a power outage or see downed electrical lines, report it to your electric provider. Remember that electric crews will have to wait for safe conditions to begin restoring power.
Latest County Updates
- All Brunswick County Government offices, libraries, and other facilities will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 due to the inclement weather. All Brunswick County parks will close at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday until further notice. All youth basketball programs will be cancelled beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Thursday, Jan. 23. Click here to learn more.
- Brunswick County Health Services will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21 unless additional closures or schedule changes become necessary. If any appointments are interrupted by needed closures, contact Health Services to reschedule. Health Services will assist with re-scheduling appointments as soon as possible.
- The Board of Commissioners regular meeting originally scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday has been canceled and will be rescheduled in the future. The special Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday will continue as scheduled at this time. Click here to learn more.
- The Brunswick County Landfill will close at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21. The Brunswick County Convenience Centers are currently operating on regular schedules. GFL Environmental still plans to collect curbside trash and recycling carts as scheduled on Tuesday. GFL Environmental will open on a delayed schedule on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 8 a.m. to assess road conditions. Those with questions about their cart collections should contact GFL Environmental at 910.253.4177.
- Brunswick County Public Utilities customers are advised to take precautions now to protect their household and irrigation water systems from freezing due to this week’s inclement winter weather conditions. Click here to learn more about how to protect water systems.
Key Take-Aways from the National Weather Service-Wilmington (NWS-Wilmington):
Latest Weather Briefing from NWS-Wilmington as of Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 at 8:15 a.m. / Next NWS Briefing is planned for Tuesday, Jan. 21 by 5 p.m.
- A long duration of abnormally cold weather will persist through much of this week with a threat to people, pets, pipes, and plants that are exposed to the cold.
- Snow with some sleet accumulations is expected, especially Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning when accumulation rates will be greatest. The snow/sleet will result in hazardous driving conditions Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Most likely amounts are 1 to 3 inches, with locally higher amounts especially along the coast. Overall, there is a 1 in 10 chance that the area could see snow amounts of 2 to 5 inches.
- There is a slight chance of another round of wintry precipitation, possibly a mix with freezing rain, Thursday into Thursday night.
Remain alert for updates from the NWS-Wilmington at weather.gov/ilm and further details in their weather briefing at weather.gov/ilm/briefing.
Winter Weather Safety
Start preparing for below freezing temperatures and ensure the well-being of your family, pets, and property with the following safety tips.
- Register for the ReadyBrunswick emergency notification system.
- Have multiple ways to get weather information (local news and radio stations, NOAA weather radios, National Weather Service, emergency alert notifications, etc.)
- Seek shelter due to risk of harm from cold temperatures.
- Bring pets inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
- Be aware of possible exposure dangers caused by colder than normal temperatures. Have a plan to prevent exposure dangers for people, pets, livestock, plants, and pipes. Learn more on the National Weather Service Cold Weather Safety webpage.
- Keep all heat sources—including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters, or candles—at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
- Check your space heater for cracked or damaged cords and plugs.
- Always plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. DON’T use an extension cord or power strip.
- NEVER use a stove, oven, or grill to heat your home.
- Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Operate generators outdoors, away from doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Take precautions to protect household and irrigation water systems from freezing.
- Bridges and overpasses collect ice first. Approach them with a lot of caution. Do not push your brakes while on the bridge.