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. Monday (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.
With dangerously cold temperatures and snowfall from Winter Storm Gianna expected to worsen into the evening, Brunswick County reminds all residents to be prepared and remain alert to this evolving weather event. View the latest video message from Brunswick County Emergency Management on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Qxnn5Wpoics
Worsening weather conditions will create low visibility and hazardous driving conditions starting this evening and will continue into Monday and possibly later next week. Delay all travel this weekend if possible.
Community members are asked to stay at home as much as possible this weekend for both their safety and to keep roads clear for first responders and NCDOT crews. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility.
The Brunswick County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently at Level 2 – Partial Activation, with representatives from our core public safety, water and sewer utilities, social services, and other essential personnel helping coordinate important services, maintain communications with our local and state partners, and address needs before and during the storm.
Essential Brunswick County team members are also working at various locations countywide to continue providing our community with public safety, emergency medical response, utility services, and communications support throughout the weekend.
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 Saturday, Jan. 31 at 3:06 p.m.
Dangerous cold through Monday, with single digit wind chills tonight and Sunday night. Significant snow is expected across southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina. Heavy snow banding may produce localized higher amounts.
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. Scattered power outages from fallen trees may occur but widespread outages are not expected.
Gale force winds likely over the coastal waters late Saturday into Sunday, with a few gusts up to storm force possible, particularly from Surf City, NC to Little River Inlet, SC.
| Low End, or Minimum Amount of Snowfall | Most Likely Amount of Snowfall | High End, or Maximum Amount of Snowfall |
|---|
| 2 inches | 4–8 inches | 10 inches |
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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