SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM AND COLD THIS WEEKEND
WEATHER INFORMATION:
According to the latest briefing from NWS Wilmington:
Advisories, Watches, Warnings
- An Extreme Cold Watch has been issued for the entire area (including Brunswick County and BHI) – Saturday evening through Monday morning (1/31-2/2)
- A Gale Watch has been issued from Surf City, NC to Little Reiver Inlet, SC, out 20 nautical miles – Saturday morning through Sunday evening (1/31 – 2/1)
- A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for the entire area – late Friday night through Sunday afternoon (1/30-2/1)
Other Important Updates
- There is high confidence in extreme cold air for the area this weekend, creating significant, rare wind chills.
- There is high confidence in hazardous winds and seas for the coastal waters over the weekend, creating dangerous conditions for mariners.
- There is increasing confidence for significant snow and associated impacts.
Accumulation of snow may vary, and bands of higher local amounts are possible, especially in the Cape Fear region.
Probability of Snow Amounts for Southport: 91% chance of 2 inches or more, 71% chance of 4 inches or more, 57% of 6 inches or more, 43% chance of 8 inches or more, 20% chance of 12 inches or more, 10% chance of 16 inches or more.
Cold/Wind Chill is expected to have minor impacts beginning Friday night, minor to moderate impact through Saturday evening, and have a high impact overnight Saturday through Monday morning.
VILLAGE OPERATIONS:
- Village offices will be operating on a normal schedule on Friday, January 30. No decision has been made for Monday. Preparations are still being made as though the Village Council’s annual retreat will proceed as scheduled on Tuesday, 2/3 at 9:00 a.m.
- The Island Package Center & Post Office will be closed on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
- The Village is engaging with Brunswick County Emergency Management and the Emergency Operations Center as it is currently in enhanced monitoring status.
- The Village will be posting regularly on its Severe Weather Event webpage and on social media as additional information becomes available.
GUIDANCE FOR ISLANDERS:
Ferry Service
The latest from Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc.:
1/29/26 @ 10:30 am: Bald Head Island Transportation is closely monitoring an approaching winter weather system expected to impact the area this weekend. Based on the current forecast, there is a high probability of service disruptions or possible service suspension throughout the weekend and into the early part of next week. Any service disruptions, suspensions or operational changes will be communicated promptly through our mobile app and website. Please continue to monitor these channels for the most up-to-date information, as weather conditions may change.
Please use Bald Head Island Transportation Inc.’s app or check the website for real-time status.
Personal & Property Preparations
Islanders should be prepared for this event as they were for last week’s potential severe winter weather. There are some great tips on Brunswick County’s website HERE.
If Islanders need important medications, it is best to prepare to get them tomorrow (Friday, 1/30) in case the IPC/PO, ferry service, and mainland roads are impacted through early next week.
Use caution when traveling on Village roads, falling snow and strong winds may impact visibility, weaken trees causing falling limbs and debris, and make some roads impassable. Lingering cold temperatures may keep the snow on the roads longer, making travel, especially via golf cart, difficult into Monday, possibly later. If you need to get out and about, do it tomorrow (Friday) and get everything you need for a few extra days.
Power Outages
Be prepared for possible power outages. Report any power outages to Duke Energy. View our power outage webpage HERE for more information. Please heat your home safely. View some tips HERE.