**Meteorological Operations Brief - Wilmington, NC**

Wilmington is currently experiencing a significant winter weather event with hazardous conditions across all metrics. Surface temperature of 18°F with northwest winds at 17 mph is producing a wind chill of 3°F, creating dangerous exposure conditions for outdoor operations. Active snowfall with near-saturation humidity (93%) and severely reduced visibility of under half a mile indicates moderate to heavy snow rates. The near-surface temperature-dewpoint spread of only 2°F confirms we're in the heart of the precipitation shield with maximum snowfall efficiency.

This system is being driven by a strong low-pressure system, evidenced by the northwest wind flow pattern typical of cold air advection behind a departing coastal storm. The barometric pressure of 29.76 inHg suggests the system is well-developed, and the persistent northwest flow is pulling arctic air southward while wringing out remaining moisture. These are classic nor'easter backside conditions for the Carolina coast, which is highly unusual for this region and represents a significant meteorological event.

**Operational Impacts:** All outdoor lot operations should be suspended immediately due to dangerous visibility and wind chill conditions. Customer foot traffic will be severely compromised, and safety liability exposure is elevated. Vehicle inventory may experience cold-start issues, and any test drives pose significant hazards. Staff working outdoors face frostbite risk with exposures exceeding 10 minutes. Recommend skeleton crew operations, prioritize service department for stranded motorists, and implement cold-weather customer accommodation protocols. Road conditions will remain treacherous through the duration of snowfall and likely into tomorrow's morning commute.