Winter Weather PM Update

January 29, 2026 at 16:39

From Beaufort County Emergency Services:

This afternoon’s update continues to indicate “Major Impacts” (Dangerous driving conditions, closures, disruptions with normal daily activities, etc.) from this weekend’s winter weather with Beaufort County currently forecasted to receive 10 and 14 inches of snow. Changes to our previous briefings have been highlighted below.

Snowfall Accumulations

• Our area is currently forecasted to receive between 10 and 14 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, depending on the track of heavier bands.(See the “Reasonable Worse Case” graphic below.

Timing of Impacts

• Snow

◦ Snow is currently forecasted to begin around 1am Saturday and continue through noon Sunday morning.

▪ Accumulating snow is likely by noon Saturday.

▪ Our heaviest snow is currently forecasted to occur between 7pm Saturday and 7am Sunday morning.

• High Winds

◦ North and Northwest winds will begin to increase shortly after sunrise Saturday, becoming sustained between 15 and 25 mph, with frequent gusts of 25 to 35 expected through sunset Sunday.

▪ Blizzard like or “whiteout” conditions are possible Saturday and Sunday and fall snow will be accompanied by high winds.

• Temperatures & Windchills

◦ Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing around sunset Friday and remain below freezing through noon on Monday, with windchills between 15 and 20 degrees Saturday night and -3 to 10 degrees Sunday night.

What to Look for and Prepare For:

While details related to possible accumulations of snow are uncertain, we encourage everyone to ensure that your family, friends, and neighbors take time over the next few days to monitor this evolving forecast and consider what actions you would need to take to be prepared for the following possible outcomes.

• Impactful Snow Accumulations

◦ Do you have enough food, supplies and medicine to last several days (Saturday through Wednesday) in the event you are unable to travel due to hazardous road conditions? Please be prepared to shelter in place and avoid any unnecessary travel between Saturday and Monday.

◦ Are you prepared for isolated power outages? (How would you stay warm? How would you cook? Do you have battery operated lighting and a way to charge electronic devices?)

◦ Are your outside pets and livestock protected from hazardous winter weather conditions? (Do they have adequate shelter? Do they have access to water that is not frozen?)

Please see the email below and the attached briefing from the National Weather Service (NWS) for additional information.

We anticipate releasing our next update by 10am tomorrow morning.