Snow ends, but many weather issues ahead for area in coming days

Accumulating snow has ended, but several weather-related issues remain a concern through the next several days, including wind chills, drifting snow and another round of measurable snowfall.

A Winter Storm Warning originally lasting into this afternoon was canceled hours early, but the National Weather Service in Wilmington said hazardous driving conditions will continue until crews are able to plow and treat the roads. That certainly is more difficult on secondary streets and in rural areas.

Snow piled up fast, as much as 1½ inches an hour, at one point during the storm Monday afternoon and evening, the NWS said.

There are still multiple counties under a snow emergency due to dangerous road conditions, though many are starting to reduce the severity of the snow emergency level.

For the rest of today, expect a high of 19 degrees and mostly cloudy skies.

Tonight will be mostly cloudy and the coldest night of the year with a low expected around 1 degrees and wind chill values as low as minus 6 degrees.

Extreme cold temperatures can lead to frostbite, hypothermia and other cold weather dangers within minutes if not properly prepared. Frostbite is the most common injury resulting from exposure to extreme cold. It most often affects fingers or toes. Redness or pain in any skin area is usually the first sign of frostbite. Skin may feel numb or unusually firm or waxy.

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can be replaced. Someone who is experiencing hypothermia might be shivering, drowsy or have slurred speech. Wearing several layers of loose-fitting clothing, mittens, hat, scarf and a water-resistant coat and boots can help prevent frostbite and hypothermia. If someone’s body temperature is below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately.

Skies will be mostly cloudy Wednesday with a high near 22 degrees and wind chill values as low as minus 7 degrees possible. Snow is likely Wednesday overnight, which will be cloudy with a low around 18 degrees. New snow accumulation of less than 1 inch is possible.

Snow continues into Thursday, mainly after 1 p.m. with high temperatures near 29 degrees. New snow accumulation of less than 1 inch is possible, according to the NWS. Other forecast models predict higher snowfall totals.

Thursday night will be cloudy with overnight lows around 17 degrees. Thursday night snow is likely before 1 a.m. It will be cloudy with a low around 17 degrees. New snow accumulation of around 1 inch is possible.

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