Impact and Observations of the February 19-20, 2025 Winter Storm
A winter storm from February 19 to 20, 2025, affected Eastern North Carolina, with significant sleet, freezing rain, and snow. Many areas experienced tree and power line damage due to ice accumulation, leading to widespread outages. The storm’s impact varied by location, resulting in diverse weather reports across the region.
Between February 19 and 20, 2025, a significant winter storm emerged from a coastal low that traveled northeast along the Southeast U.S. coastline, impacting areas from the Gulf Coast to the Carolinas. Cold temperatures facilitated a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow, leading to widespread precipitation. Regions along the Crystal Coast and southern Outer Banks primarily experienced rain, while central North Carolina and southeast Virginia recorded accumulating sleet and snow. The storm resulted in substantial ice accumulation, causing damage to trees and power lines, and leading to numerous power outages throughout Eastern North Carolina, with temperatures afterward plunging into the teens in many areas.
The National Weather Service provided detailed snowfall reports highlighting a variety of winter weather conditions experienced across Eastern North Carolina. The reports categorized precipitation by type, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with acknowledgments to local spotters, emergency managers, utility companies, and the public for their contributions. Notable snowfall totals, primarily in the form of sleet and snow, varied significantly across different locations, revealing the diverse impact of this winter weather event.
Reports indicated the highest snowfall accumulations in areas such as Dare County, with multiple locations reporting between 4.0 to 4.5 inches of snow. Precipitation reports were meticulously documented, with counties like Martin showing measures of 4.5 inches in Robersonville and 3.0 inches in Williamston. Furthermore, freezing rain reports gave insight into the extent of ice accumulation, with locations receiving up to 0.30 inches of ice, causing potential hazards for travel and infrastructure.
In terms of sleet accumulation, areas like Vanceboro and Pitt County reported significant measurements, with totals reaching up to 2.0 inches. Significant attention was given to the transition from rain to sleet during the storm, showcasing the variable conditions. The data highlights the community’s collective response and resilience during the challenging weather event, with ongoing monitoring and updates from local authorities and the National Weather Service.
The February 19-20, 2025 winter storm had a substantial impact across Eastern North Carolina, characterized by a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow that resulted in extensive ice accumulation and damage to infrastructure. Accumulated snow and sleet varied considerably by location, emphasizing the storm’s diverse effects on the region’s weather patterns. Continued observations and reports from local entities underscored the importance of community preparedness and response in severe weather scenarios.
Original Source: www.weather.gov
