PUBLIC NOTICE
Advisories/Watches/Warnings
- Winter Storm Watch in effect from late Friday night through Sunday afternoon (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1)
- Gale Watch in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday evening (Jan. 31 – Feb. 1)
- Extreme Cold Watch in effect from Saturday evening through Monday morning (Jan. 31 – Feb. 2)
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.
Significant snow is possible in southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. Heavy snow banding may produce significantly higher local amounts, particularly north of the Cape Fear region.
| Low End, or Minimum Amount of Snowfall | Most Likely Amount of Snowfall | High End, or Maximum Amount of Snowfall |
|---|
| 2–4 inches | 4–10 inches | 12–18 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 will result in blowing snow, possibly periods of white out conditions, causing poor visibility and reduced traction. Scattered power outages are also possible. Due to expected prolonged cold and gusty wind conditions, hazardous travel conditions could extend through the early to middle part of next week.
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.
Key Messages from NWS-Wilmington:
Latest Weather Briefing from NWS-Wilmington as of Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at 3:08 p.m. / Next NWS Briefing is planned for Friday, Jan. 30 by 8:30 a.m.
- Dangerous Cold: Dangerous cold will create wind chills in the single digits and potentially in the negatives Saturday night and Sunday night.
- These dangerously cold wind chills will create conditions where frostbite and hypothermia can occur. Limit your time outdoors and seek shelter due to risk of harm from cold temperatures.
- Significant Snowfall: Confidence continues to increase for significant snowfall across much of the forecast area. The potential for heavy snow banding may produce localized swaths of heavier snowfall, especially north of the Cape Fear region. Scattered power outages are expected.
- Dangerous Driving Conditions: Dry and powdery snow combined with strong and frequent wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph will result in particularly dangerous driving 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.
- Dangerous Marine Conditions: Gale force winds are likely over the coastal waters late Saturday into Sunday, with potential for storm-force wind gusts, particularly from Surf City, NC to Little River Inlet, SC.
Remain alert for weather updates from NWS-Wilmington at weather.gov/ilm and further details in their weather briefing at weather.gov/ilm/briefing.
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.
Latest County Updates
- The Brunswick County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently at Level 3 – Enhanced Monitoring, with essential public safety staff and community partners monitoring weather conditions.
- Brunswick County Public Utilities customers are advised to take precautions now to protect their household and irrigation water systems from freezing due to the inclement winter weather conditions. Click here to learn more about how to protect water systems.
Winter Weather Safety
Prepare for below-freezing temperatures and ensure the well-being of your family, pets, and property with the following safety tips.
- Have multiple ways to get weather information (ReadyBrunswick emergency notification system, National Weather Service, local news and radio stations, NOAA weather radios, etc.)
- Limit your time outdoors and seek shelter due to risk of harm from cold temperatures. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and how to respond.
- Bring pets inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
- Brunswick County Animal Protective Services can assist by providing crates, bedding, straw/hay, and other essential items on loan to help pet owners bring their animals indoors during the cold weather. If you or someone you know needs assistance for their pets, please contact Animal Protective Services at 910.754.8204 by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30.
- 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.
- Keep all heat sources at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
- Always plug space heaters directly into wall outlets. DO NOT use an extension cord or power strip. Turn them off when leaving the room or sleeping.
- Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Install and check your CO detectors and smoke alarms. Never use a stove, oven, or charcoal grill to heat your home. Operate generators outdoors, away from doors and windows.
- Take precautions to protect household and irrigation water systems from freezing.
- Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
- Bridges and overpasses collect ice first. Approach them with a lot of caution. Do not push your brakes while on a bridge.
- During dangerous driving conditions, leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns.
For more winter weather safety tips, visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/winter.
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