Snow expected starting Tuesday evening, Cold Weather Advisory issued for the Outer Banks

Forecast confidence remains high that the Outer Banks will see some accumulating snow from Tuesday evening into early Wednesday morning, while freezing temperatures will be a concern for most of the week, per a Monday morning update from the National Weather Service.

“Specific details, like how much dry air will be in place to inhibit heavier snow totals and how strong the storm system gets, are still uncertain,” stated the NWS Newport/Morehead City Office. “While we are forecasting a broad area of a trace to 1″ for all of [Eastern North Carolina], there are some forecast scenarios that indicate more snowfall on the coast, and less inland, so forecast uncertainty is higher than normal. A stronger storm closer to the coast means more snow, and a weaker system will mean less snow.”

Snow and ice accumulation may last for several days due to the lingering cold temperatures, and a second winter weather and/or icing event is possible on Thursday. Slippery roads and dangerous travel conditions should be expected.

Brutally cold temperatures are also expected for most of the week starting on Monday and continuing through Thursday, with actual low temperatures of 20-30 degrees along the Outer Banks on Tuesday and  Thursday, and wind chills in the teens.

A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for the Outer Banks starting at 10 p.m. on Monday night.

Multiple and consecutive days of cold temperatures may cause issues with frozen pipes, and residents should take steps to prevent freezing and possible bursting of water pipes by wrapping, draining, or allowing pipes to drip slowly.

Power outages are also a possibility, according to Drew Pearson, Dare County Emergency Management Director, as demand for electric power, (namely heat), may surge.

“Take the time now to get ready,” said Pearson in a Sunday update. “If you have pipes that freeze, take action to protect them. Make sure your disaster kit has the supplies you need should conditions keep you at home. Find the snow shovels, ice scrapers, blankets, winter coats, hats and gloves now.

“If you plan to travel, make sure your vehicle is up for the task and take your winter survival stuff with you. If you have backup generators, make sure you have fuel on hand and that they are ready to run. As temperatures drop, only use approved heating sources. If you need to use space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves make sure you use them properly. Take care of the pets, and keep an eye on your neighbors who may need a hand.”

A list of local Outer Banks resources for additional information is as follows:

• For additional snow maps, visit https://www.weather.gov/mhx/winter.
• For information on the local forecast, visit www.weather.gov/moreheadcity/ for general weather information, or the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSMoreheadCity/.
• For updates regarding road conditions, visit DriveNC.gov and follow the North Carolina Department of Transportation and NCDOT NC 12 on Facebook. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office also shares local road condition updates on its Facebook page.
• To get notified of ferry delays or cancellations, sign up for text and/or email alerts via the N.C. Ferry System’s FINS system: www.ncdot.gov/fins.