Looking Back at the Cold Winter

Here are a few interesting facts from winter (December-February) provided by the National Weather Service Offices in Raleigh and Wilmington.

Raleigh-Durham

• 6th coldest winter on record for RDU. Records for RDU go back to 1944.
• Coldest winter since 1978.
• There were 9 days with snowfall. The average snowfall days for RDU during a winter is 3.

Wilmington

• 10th coldest winter on record in Wilmington. Records go back 136 years for Wilmington.
• Low temperatures in January and February averaged below 32. That is only the 5th time that has happened.
• There were 54 days between December 1 and February 28 when then temperature was 55 degrees or lower. 55 is the coldest average high temperature during winter for Wilmington.
• There were 48 days when Wilmington had a low temperature below freezing. That is the 8th greatest number of below freezing lows on record. Wilmington's first freezing temperature this winter was on December 12, which was the 8th latest date for a first freeze!
• 3.8" of snow fell in Wilmington this winter on February 12-13. That is the most snow since January 25-26 when 5.0" of snow was recorded in Wilmington.

Snow Totals from March 2-3, 2010

• Dunn: 4.5"
• Erwin: 4.0"
• Mount Olive: 4.0"
• Newton Grove: 4.0"
• Rural Hall: 4.0"
• Seagrove: 4.0"
• Apex: 3.0"
• Davidson: 3.0"
• Greensboro: 3.0"
• Holly Springs: 3.0"
• Siler City: 3.0"
• Troy: 3.0"
• Warsaw: 3.0"
• Lexington: 2.5"
• Angier: 2.0"
• Carthage: 2.0"
• Goldsboro: 2.0"
• Graham: 2.0"
• Southern Pines: 2.0"
• Stedman: 2.0"
• Wilson: 2.0"
• Winston-Salem: 2.0"
• Durham: 1.5"
• Hillsborough: 1.0"
• Raleigh: 1.0"
• RDU Airport: 0.8"
• Louisburg: 0.5"
• Oxford: 0.5"
• Trenton: 0.5"
• Charlotte: 0.4" (Airport)
• Laurinburg: Trace
• Hednerson: Trace
• Raeford: Trace
• Rockingham: Trace
• Wadesboro: Trace
• Warrenton: Trace

Quick Tuesday Afternoon Update

Computer models this afternoon indicate somewhat higher snow totals will be possible overnight. We may see accumulations closer to 2-4" on average across the Triangle to Goldsboro and Wilson with some 4-5" totals from east Raleigh to the east and northeast. These accumulations will be mainly on grassy surfaces. Some light snow and slush may build up on some roads late tonight into early Wednesday morning. For locations south of a line from Wake County to Goldsboro, look for a dusting to 2 inches.

These totals may still need to be adjusted based on radar trends into the night. You'll find the latest forecast through the night every 10 minutes on News 14 Carolina.

Lee Ringer
Meteorologist
News 14 Carolina

Update on Chance for Snow Tonight into Early Wednesday

Low pressure tracking off the Carolina coast is spreading rain across the Carolinas this morning. The precipitation around the Triangle, Sandhills, and coast should stay all rain through the afternoon. As temperatures drop this evening, the rain should begin to mix with and change to snow across parts of the Triangle and Sandhills. Coastal areas will remain rain through the night but may see some light snow as the precipitation tapers off early Wednesday morning.

An accumulation forecast remains difficult with this storm. Ground temperatures will remain just above freezing into the night. Because of that, light snow will not accumulate. However, moderate to heavy snow should begin to build up on grassy surfaces. This may mean some neighborhoods see no accumulation to other areas seeing an inch or two.

Here's the latest thinking on any accumulation by Wednesday morning...

Triangle: Locations around Chapel Hill to Durham to west Raleigh should see an inch or two of wet snow on grassy surfaces. Most roads will be wet, but some roads not frequently traveled may accumulate some slush. From east Raleigh to the east-northeast including northern Johnston, Franklin, Wilson, and Warren Counties. accumulations around two inches are possible but a few pockets of up to 4 inches will be possible where heavy snow falls. These areas may also see slush on roads early Wednesday.

Sandhills: Locations around the Sandhills including Fayetteville to Goldsboro can expect a trace of snow (no accumulation) up to an inch of slushy snow. Most roads will just be wet.

Coast: Locations along the immediate coast will see up to an inch or rain or slightly higher. No snow is expected along the immediate coast, but some inland areas may see light snow mix in with the rain very early Wednesday morning. Little to no accumulation is expected except perhaps a dusting in parts of Bladen and Duplin Counties. Coastal areas will also deal with strong winds tonight into Wednesday. Gale Warnings are in effect off the coast.

Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina and news14.com for updates through the day and night.

Monday Morning Update on Chance for Snow Tuesday into Wednesday

Low pressure tracking along the Gulf coast late today will track off the Carolina coast by late Tuesday. That will spread rain and snow into the state Tuesday.

For the Triangle and Sandhills, we expect the precipitation to move in Tuesday morning through midday as light rain. The rain should pick up at times through the afternoon. During the day, it will be possible for the rain to mix with snow at times, but we do not anticipate accumulation during the day. Look for the rain or rain/snow mix to change to mostly snow by late afternoon or evening. Temperatures into the night will hover just above freezing keeping accumulations mainly on grassy and elevated surfaces. Snow showers may continue through daybreak Wednesday morning with the temperature briefly dropping to or just below freezing. Based on this latest thinking, we expect between a dusting to 2 inches of wet snow accumulation. A band of heavier precipitation may set up just east-northeast of Raleigh and could lead to slightly higher amounts in an area around Louisburg to Rocky Mount to Roanoke Rapids and Ahoskie. Again, the accumulation would mainly be on grassy surfaces with very little on roadways expect for some slushy build up on mainly secondary roads.

Along the coast, the precipitation should stay as mainly all rain through Tuesday night and into early Wednesday morning. Some inland counties may see some light snow mix in with the rain as it tapers off Wednesday morning. No accumulation is expected in those areas though.

Keep in mind this is just a first look at an accumulation forecast, and it is still subject to change depending on the exact track of the low. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina and news14.com for any updates to the forecast.

Lee Ringer
Meteorologist
News 14 Carolina

March Snows in NC

Here's a look back at recent March snows in North Carolina. Click the images for a larger version.

March 1-2, 2009:

March 16-17, 2005:

March 12-14, 1993:

March 24-25, 1983:

March 1-2, 1980:

Sunday AM Update on the Threat for Winter Weather in the Upcoming Week

Saturday AM Update on Next Week's Possible Storm

Tracking a Possible Storm for Next Week

Mid-week outlook

If you enjoyed last weekends weather, you were not alone! With highs reaching the 60's for the first time this February many folks were buzzing that the end of winter was in sight. Not so fast! An approaching storm from the south will meet up with colder air over North Carolina to bring a rain/snow mix to the Triangle and Virginia border counties for Wednesday afternoon and Wednesday night. Snow accumulations are expected to be on the light side as grassy areas could receive up to an inch during the evening and overnight Wed. An updated run of Stormcast wants to intensify this storm off the Mid-Atlantic Coast bringing snow to places like Elizabeth City tomorrow night in to Thursday.

Once this system pulls away on Thursday we're looking at a breezy and cold day as highs struggle to reach the low 40's!

February 12-13, 2010 Snowfall

Here's a look at snowfall totals from Friday night February 12 through Saturday morning February 13:

• Harker's Island: 8.8"
• Jacksonville: 8.5"
• Beaufort: 7.0"
• Hubert: 7.0"
• Morehead City: 7.0"
• Newport: 7.0"
• Wallace: 7.0"
• Burgaw: 6.0"
• Clinton: 6.0"
• Goldsboro: 6.0"
• Atlantic Beach: 5.5"
• Surf City: 5.3"
• Havelock: 5.0"
• Kenansville: 5.0"
• Mount Olive: 5.0"
• Oak Island: 5.0"
• Southport: 5.0"
• Masonboro: 4.9"
• Pinehurst: 4.1"
• Albemarle: 4.0"
• Cary: 4.0"
• Elizabethtown: 4.0"
• Fayetteville: 4.0"
• Hope Mills: 4.0"
• Wilmington: 3.8"
• Clayton: 3.5"
• Lillington: 3.5"
• Lumberton: 3.5"
• Raeford: 3.5"
• Rockingham: 3.5"
• Wilson: 3.5"
• Apex: 3.4"
• Southern Pines: 3.4"
• Fort Bragg: 3.0"
• Laurinburg: 3.0"
• Lexington: 3.0"
• Shallotte: 3.0"
• Louisburg: 2.5"
• Raleigh: 2.5"
• Durham: 2.0"
• Hillsborough: 2.0"
• Oxford: 2.0"
• Pittsboro: 2.0"
• RDU Airport: 2.0"
• Greensboro: 1.7"
• Burlington: 1.5"
• Winston-Salem: 1.0"

Chilly February!

As we entered into the month of February nearly two weeks ago we commented on many broadcasts that most of this month was shaping to up to be rather chilly. So far that has been the case for Central and Eastern NC. The warmest day we've had was a balmy 51 on the 3rd at RDU. This prolonged cold snap has been a dominate feature for not only us, but a large part of the Eastern U.S. Snow has been recorded in just about every community in North Carolina at some point this winter! Just last week the Deep South had snow in places like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. A lot of viewers have been asking if this chilly trend will continue throughout the rest of the month? While long range forecasting can be difficult, it's looking like the second half of February is going to remain below average temperature wise.

The good news is after Monday's expected rain we should see a long stretch of dry weather for the Tar Heel State. One computer model wants to bring a weak system through on or around the 21st. This same model is picking up on what appears to be a potent storm around the 26th. Even though we're counting down the days to the start of spring, it's not time to put away the coats and gloves just yet.

Quick Update

Based on the latest data coming in this afternoon, here's a quick update on the latest thinking for snowfall tonight through early Saturday morning....

Triangle: 1-3" with the lower end to perhaps a dusting around Durham to Chapel Hill and the higher end SE of Raleigh.

Sandhills: 3-4" for an area from Laurinburg to Fayetteville to Goldsboro

Coastal areas: 3-5" just inland from the beaches including Wilmington and Jacksonville. Lower totals right at the immediate coast. There could be a narrow band of heavier snow up to 6" somewhere between Fayetteville in Wilmington. This may come close to areas across Columbus, Bladen, Sampson, and Duplin Counties.

Remember, this is just a forecast. A lot can still change as the storm system continues to evolve. Stay with News 14 Carolina for Weather on the Ones updates through the day and night.

Let us know when you see snow in your area. Send snow totals and pictures to weather@news14.com.

Snow for Late Friday into Saturday?

Snow is back in the forecast for parts of central and eastern North Carolina leading into the weekend. This storm system will be different than most as we expect the highest snow totals to fall along the coast. Look for the snow to begin this evening and continue into early Saturday morning. Sunshine should return by Saturday afternoon.

Latest accumulation forecast

Coastal NC: 2-4" of snow including area around Wilmington, Jacksonville, and Morehead City. Accumulations may be slightly less along the immediate coast. There could also be a narrow band of 4-6" just inland from the coast, but that is not certain at this time.

Sandhills to Goldsboro: 1-3" for areas around Fayetteville to Goldsboro

Triangle to Wilson: Dusting - 2". Durham and Chapel Hill will be on the lower end of that total with no accumulation to a dusting expected. Raleigh may see around 1 to 2 inches with the higher end just southeast of Raleigh.

These forecasted accumulation totals may still change depending on the exact track of low pressure off the southeast coast. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina and news14.com for the latest updates through the day and night.

Peak Wind Gusts from Wednesday

High winds knocked down trees and caused power outages across North Carolina on Wednesday and even created blizzard conditions in the mountains. Here's a look at peak wind gusts recorded around the state:

• Grandfather Mountain: 95mph
• Jefferson: 61mph
• Cherry Point: 59mph
• Lexington: 56mph
• Swanquarter: 54mph
• Ocracoke: 53mph
• Winston-Salem: 53mph
• Greensboro: 52mph
• Atlantic Beach: 51mph
• Beaufort: 51mph
• Fort Bragg: 50mph
• Goldsboro: 50mph
• Manteo: 50mph
• Jacksonville: 49mph
• Wilmington: 49mph
• Burlington: 48mph
• Newport: 48mph
• Raleigh: 48mph
• Fayetteville: 47mph
• Laurinburg: 47mph
• Lumberton: 47mph
• Rocky Mount-Wilson: 47mph
• Asheville: 46mph
• Cedar Island: 46mph
• Elizabeth City: 46mph
• Durham: 45mph
• Southport: 45mph
• Chapel Hill: 43mph
• Hickory: 43mph
• Kenansville: 43mph
• Concord: 41mph
• Charlotte: 41mph
• Rockingham: 41mph
• Elizabethtown: 40mph
• Oxford: 40mph
• Statesville: 40mph
• Salisbury: 39mph
  

Is the Groundhog's Forecast Correct?

Groundhogs across the country made their forecast for the rest of winter yesterday. The best known groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil from Pennsylvania saw his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter. North Carolina's own Sir Walter Wally did not agree. He did not see his shadow yesterday at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science and predicted an early spring. After last weekend's winter storm, I have heard from a lot of folks that are hoping "Sir Walter's" forecast is the correct one this year. While he supposedly has a better track record than Punxsutawney Phil, it appears Phil's forecast may be the correct one this year.





The one month outlook from the Climate Prediction Center forecasts calls for February with below normal temperatures and above average precipitation in North Carolina. The main reason for this forecast is the continuation of an El Nino weather pattern that we have experienced since the start of winter. Model trends certainly indicate the first half of February will be on the cold side.


A colder and wetter than normal forecast also brings up the question: Does that mean more snow is on the way? It is certainly possible. On average, North Carolina records more snow in February than in month of the year.


Earlier this week several computer models forecast another winter storm to impact North Carolina this weekend. Forecasts have changed since then and we do not expect this storm to produce winter weather across all of the state like last weekend's storm. However, some parts of the state will see winter precipitation with the best chance for snow and a wintry mix in the mountains Friday and Saturday.


In our part of North Carolina, the precipitation may start early Friday morning as a wintry mix from Raleigh to the north and west. This should be light with a quick changeover to all rain during the day. The wintry mix or freezing rain will last longer Friday morning for locations around the Triad. A cold rain will be the big story for Friday in our area with an inch or more possible through Friday night. Light rain showers may continue into Saturday and could changeover to snow flurries from Raleigh to the north. Precipitation totals after the changeover would be very light with little to no accumulation expected except for a dusting possible north of Raleigh and higher amounts possible into Virginia.


There may be yet another weather system to watch for Tuesday of next week. We'll keep you posted. Stay tuned to News 14 Carolina and news14.com

January 29-30, 2010 Snowfall across NC

Click the above image for a larger version.

Winter Storm Coverage: Behind the Scenes

Take a look at these behind the scenes photos from this weekend's winter storm coverage. Most photos were taken by Chief Meteorologist Gary Stephenson.

NC Snow and Sleet Totals from January 29 - 30, 2010

Photo from Durham taken by News 14 Carolina viewer Wendell Hull

• Roxboro: 9.5"
• Burlington: 8.0"
• Catawba: 8.0"
• Chapel Hill: 8.0"
• Cherryville: 8.0"
• Henderson: 8.0"
• Norlina: 8.0"
• Winston-Salem: 8.0"
• Elon: 7.5"
• High Point: 7.5"
• Cleveland: 7.0"
• Durham: 7.0"
• Oxford: 7.0"
• Roanoke Rapids: 7.0"
• Salisbury: 7.0"
• Thomasville: 7.0"
• Hillsborough: 6.9"
• Butner: 6.5"
• Greensboro: 6.4"
• Mocksville: 6.0"
• Youngsville: 6.0"
• Knightdale: 5.5"
• Cary: 5.0"
• Graham: 5.0"
• Pittsboro: 5.0"
• Raleigh: 5.0"
• Wake Forest: 5.0"
• Siler City: 4.5"
• Robbins: 4.0"
• Angier: 3.0"
• Carthage: 3.0"
• Tarboro: 3.0"
• Albemarle: 3.0"
• Sanford: 3.0"
• Wilson: 3.0"
• Dunn: 2.8"
• Charlotte: 2.0"
• Monroe: 1.7"
• Fayetteville: 1.5"
• Southern Pines: 1.4"
• Laurinburg: 0.5" (sleet)
• Lumberton: 0.5" (sleet and freezing rain)

Snowfall Totals

What a busy day it turned out to be on Saturday with snow, sleet and freezing rain all being reported around the viewing area. Here are some totals from around the region.

Raleigh: 5.0"

Durham: 7.0"

Chapel Hill: 8.0"

Greensboro: 5.0"

Fayetteville: 1.5"

Henderson: 8.0"

Warrenton: 8.0"

Clayton: 3.0"