Per the NWS, we are under a dynamic weather period over the next 24 hrs as low pressure deepens offshore of the Carolina Atlantic coast today, with a trailing cold front moving southward across the local area this morning. A Wind Advisory is in effect from 3 PM this afternoon through 7 AM Sunday, with sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph and gusts reaching up to 45 mph. These gusty conditions may blow around unsecured outdoor objects, bring down tree limbs, and could lead to isolated power outages, especially in areas with saturated soils.
A Freeze Warning goes into effect at 7 PM as overnight lows drop into the upper teens and lower 20s by Sunday morning. This will be one of the coldest nights of the season, and the combination of clear skies, strong cold advection, and persistent winds will allow temperatures to remain well below freezing through much of Sunday morning. In addition to the cold air, an Extreme Cold Warning will be in effect from 9 PM tonight through 10 AM Sunday due to dangerously low wind chill values. With winds remaining elevated overnight, wind chills are expected to fall into the single digits, making it feel more like 8 to 10 degrees at times.
These conditions pose a serious risk to anyone spending prolonged time outdoors. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, and hypothermia becomes a concern without proper cold-weather protection. Young children, the elderly, outdoor workers, and those without adequate shelter are especially vulnerable during this event. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions by securing loose outdoor items ahead of the wind, protecting tender vegetation, bringing pets indoors, and ensuring exposed pipes are insulated or allowed to drip overnight. Limiting time outdoors during the coldest period from late tonight through early Sunday morning will be critical, as this event combines both strong winds and dangerously cold temperatures—an uncommon but impactful combination for our area.