PUBLIC NOTICE
Advisories/Watches/Warnings
- Winter Storm Warning in effect from 1 a.m. Saturday to 4 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 31 – Feb. 1)
- Gale Warning in effect from 9 a.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 31 – Feb. 1)
- Extreme Cold Warning in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 31 – Feb. 1)
The U.S. National Weather Service Forecast Office in Wilmington (NWS-Wilmington) forecasts severe winter weather conditions will impact the area this weekend and into next week. The Brunswick County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently at Level 3 – Enhanced Monitoring, with essential public safety staff and community partners preparing for the storm and monitoring and responding to weather conditions.
Brunswick County and NWS-Wilmington strongly urge community members and visitors to finish their preparations on Friday, Jan. 30. View the latest video message from Brunswick County Emergency Management on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/CGT0kdNzAVs
For safety tips, ways to prepare, and how to stay informed, visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/winter.
Key Messages from NWS-Wilmington:
Latest Weather Briefing from NWS-Wilmington as of Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at 3:01 p.m. / Next NWS Briefing is planned for Saturday, Jan. 31 by 8:30 a.m.
Significant snow is possible across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. Heavy snow banding may produce significantly higher local amounts, particularly north of the Cape Fear region.
A mix of rain, snow, and sleet may impact the area as early as Saturday morning before sunrise, transitioning to all snow later in the morning. The bulk of the snow should occur late Saturday into early Sunday morning.
| Low End, or Minimum Amount of Snowfall | Most Likely Amount of Snowfall | High End, or Maximum Amount of Snowfall |
|---|
| 2–4 inches | 6–8 inches | 12–14 inches |
Extremely cold temperatures will bring wind chills well into the single digits, potentially into the negatives Saturday night and Sunday night. Strong gusty winds of 25 to 35 mph will result in blowing snow, possibly periods of white out conditions, causing poor visibility and reduced traction. Delay all travel this weekend if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
Due to expected prolonged cold and gusty wind conditions, hazardous travel conditions could extend through the early to middle part of next week. Scattered power outages are also possible. If you experience a power outage or see downed electrical lines, report it to your electric provider.
Remain alert for weather updates from NWS-Wilmington at weather.gov/ilm and further details in their weather briefing at weather.gov/ilm/briefing.
The Cape Fear, Grand Strand, and Pee Dee regions have seen few historic snow events (February 1896, February 1901, February 1973, March 1983, and December 1989). NWS-Wilmington predicts that Winter Storm Gianna will add January 2026 to that list of historic snow events.
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.
Warming Shelters
Brunswick County has partnerships with the following partner agencies to help provide warming shelters during periods of significantly cold temperatures. Individuals who may need warming shelter assistance may contact the following community partners for information:
Community members with questions or assistance needs are encouraged to visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/assistance.
Find the latest updates and information at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/winter.
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