A long-duration of very cold temperatures remain an overarching concern between Monday, Jan. 20 through Thursday, Jan. 23, with highs in the 30s and lows in the 10s expected.
Confidence is increasing regarding the potential for wintry precipitation Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. However, any accumulations of snow, sleet, and ice from freezing rain and locations is too early to tell and will be highly dependent on the track/evolution of the storm. Small differences in the exact track of the low pressure area can result in large differences in the precipitation type and possible impacts.
A very cold air mass will build across the area beginning Monday resulting in an extended period of abnormally cold temperatures. Prepare for the cold weather by making sure people and pets are safe, and pipes and plants are protected.
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:
Key Take-Aways from the National Weather Service-Wilmington (NWS-Wilmington):
Latest Weather Briefing from NWS-Wilmington as of Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at 11 a.m. / Next NWS Briefing is planned for Sunday, Jan. 19 by 10 a.m.
- The likelihood for snow/sleet accumulations across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina has increased, especially for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. It is too early to determine the amount of accumulations and locations that will be impacted the most.
- A long duration of abnormally cold weather is expected beginning Monday and persisting through much of the upcoming week. The coldest temperatures are expected Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
- People are encouraged to closely follow this developing winter weather situation and prepare for an extended period of cold weather by making sure people and pets are safe, and pipes and plants are protected.
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.)
- Know how to report power outages and downed electrical lines to your electric provider. Visit their websites to learn how to report these hazards to Duke Energy Progress or Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC).
- 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.
- 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.