Major East Coast Winter Storm Could Bring the Heaviest Snow Parts of the Carolinas Have Seen Since 1989 This Weekend

UNITED STATES — A powerful East Coast winter storm is expected to deliver historic snowfall across parts of North Carolina and South Carolina this weekend, with forecast totals suggesting the most snow some locations have seen since 1989, according to National Blend of Models (NBM) snowfall projections.

The data indicates a high-impact winter storm setting up from the southern Appalachians through the Carolinas and into the Mid-Atlantic, with a narrow but intense snow band capable of producing significant accumulations in a short period of time.

Snowfall Totals Point to a Rare Carolinas Event

Based on the latest NBM 2.5 km snowfall forecast valid through Friday, February 6, snowfall totals across the Carolinas could reach:

• 7 to 10 inches across central and eastern North Carolina
• 6 to 9 inches across large portions of South Carolina
• Localized pockets exceeding 10 inches, especially where the strongest snow band sets up

The bright pink and purple shading on the map highlights areas where snowfall totals approach or exceed historical benchmarks, particularly notable for a region that rarely sees prolonged or heavy snow events.

Narrow Snow Band Raises Risk of Extreme Local Impacts

Forecasters note that the storm features a tight snowfall gradient, meaning small shifts in the storm track could result in dramatic differences over short distances.

This setup increases the risk of:

• Rapid snow accumulation rates
• Dangerous travel conditions developing quickly
• Power outages if snow becomes heavy and wet
• Tree damage in areas unaccustomed to snow load

Communities caught under the heaviest band could see near-blizzard-like conditions for several hours.

Impacts Expected Beyond the Carolinas

While the Carolinas appear to be the epicenter of the heaviest snowfall, the storm is forecast to impact a broad region:

• Virginia could see several inches, especially in central and eastern sections
• The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast may experience lighter but widespread snow
• Coastal areas may see sharp cutoffs between rain, mixed precipitation, and heavy snow

The system’s strength and structure point to significant travel disruptions along major East Coast corridors.

Why This Storm Stands Out Historically

Snowfall of this magnitude in the Carolinas is extremely rare, particularly when totals approach or exceed those recorded during major historical winter storms.

The comparison to 1989 underscores the seriousness of the forecast, as that year remains one of the most memorable snow events in the region’s modern climate record.

What This Means for Arkansas and the Central U.S.

Although Arkansas is not included in the core snowfall zone, the development of such an intense East Coast storm highlights a highly active winter pattern across the United States.

Strong temperature contrasts and amplified storm tracks increase the likelihood of additional significant systems forming in the weeks ahead, including those that could affect the South-Central region.

Stay with WaldronNews for continued winter storm coverage, updated snowfall forecasts, and analysis on how evolving national weather patterns could impact Arkansas next.