Article: NC Snowstorm

Raleigh's Snowstorm of the Century

(the above photo is from a 2014 Raleigh snow event, not the 2000 snowstorm/all photos below are from the 2000 storm)

This storm was the third of four storm systems to impact central North Carolina during the last two weeks of January 2000. This two week period featured an active winter storm pattern that featured a deep trough over the eastern U.S.. Winter storms impacted North Carolina on January 18, 2000; January 23, 2000; January 25, 2000 and January 30, 2000. The January 25, 2000 storm was preceded by a rather weak storm that dropped up to an inch of snow and some freezing rain across the North Carolina Piedmont on January 23. As this storm moved off the Mid-Atlantic coast, a second low pressure system developed over Florida on the morning of the 24th.

This storm’s system rapidly strengthened late in the day. Snow began falling across portions of North Carolina during the afternoon and evening on January 24, as the storm moved north along the North Carolina coast, dropping well over 10 inches of snow throughout central North Carolina in 24 hours. The heaviest snowfall amounts of 15 or more inches occurred from Anson County northeast through Wake County and continuing into Virginia. Areas both east and west of this line received 5 to 10 inches of snow. Even some locations near the coast, such as Wilmington, received up to 5 inches of snow. This storm received a great deal of media attention including a news story on CNN.  The intensity of the snowfall, combined with the accumulation and strong winds, caused thousands of business and residents to be without power for several days. Observations from the Raleigh Durham International Airport show six out of seven consecutive hours reporting heavy snow.

The "Blizzard of 2000" was one of the most powerful winter storms on record in parts of North Carolina. It was also one of the most poorly forecast. Many lessons have been learned from this event, including the importance of human analysis of the impending weather situation and awareness of upstream conditions. It is vital to compare model forecasts with observations, not only over the regional area, but also well upstream, in order to validate the model forecast for use. Another useful outcome of the storm has been the research on the role of latent heat release on the surrounding environment. The enhanced circulation around an area of positive PV where latent heating is strong was found to be instrumental in supplying high amounts of moisture to the forecast area. This knowledge can help forecasters in the future to recognize this feedback, thus improving precipitation forecasts and situational awareness.