Advisories/Watches/Warnings
- Cold Weather Advisory (in effect from Monday, Jan. 20 at 10 p.m. until Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.)
- Winter Storm Watch (in effect from Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. until Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 8 a.m.)
An arctic air-mass will continue to build across the area resulting in a long duration event of abnormally cold temperatures. Prepare for the cold weather by making sure people and pets are safe, and pipes and plants are protected.
Given the dominance of the arctic air-mass the bulk of the moisture will remain off the coast limiting the amount of wintry precipitation across northeast South Carolina and southeast North Carolina. There is a slight chance 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.
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:
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.
- 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 and 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 Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 at 4:15 p.m. / Next NWS Briefing is planned for Tuesday, Jan. 21 by 10 a.m.
- A long duration of abnormally cold weather persists through much of this week.
- Some snow is expected, especially late Tuesday afternoon through Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Amounts are expected to be light but could still pose hazardous travel issues. Most likely amounts are 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts. Overall, there is a 30-50% chance some areas will see 2-ince snow amounts or more.
- Another round of wintry precipitation, possibly a freezing rain event, is possible 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.)
- 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.