Statement from Theo Lane, Duke Energy on inclement weather

Posted
EDITOR'S NOTE: The following statement was released by Theo Lane, a spokesman with Duke Energy, on the impending inclement weather. WEATHER DISCUSSION Winter weather is forecast for northeastern SC and eastern NC this afternoon through tonight as an area of low pressure intensifies rapidly while moving up the East Coast and passing offshore of the Carolinas tonight. Several inches of snow accumulation are likely, with the amounts exceeding 4” possible across eastern/northeastern NC. Isolated/scattered power outages are expected due to snow accumulations, mainly across the eastern half of the Coastal Zone. Additional isolated outages may occur due to hazardous road conditions as far west as the I-95 corridor. In addition, gusty winds may develop across the immediate coastline tonight and lead to isolated wind-related outages. For locations northwest of I-95, temperatures will be cold enough for all precipitation to fall as snow. However, the combination of very dry low-level air in place and a lack of moisture spreading well inland will limit snowfall accumulations. For these areas, snowfall amounts will be less than 1 inch. For locations along and southeast of I-95, more significant snowfall accumulation is expected. For the coastal locations within about 25 miles of the coast, precipitation will fall as a wintry mix this afternoon before a transition to snow this evening. Farther inland, precipitation may start briefly as a wintry mix before a quick transition to snow that continues into the evening hours. For the most part, 1-4 inches of snow accumulation is expected from the I-95 corridor to the coast. However, for locations in east-central NC (such as Goldsboro, Kinston and New Bern), 4-6 inches of snow accumulation is expected. Precipitation will end southwest-to-northeast between midnight tonight and daybreak Thursday. Then, in the wake of this storm system, dry weather will prevail through the weekend, though another blast of arctic air will keep temperatures well below seasonal levels.