Snowfall projections continue to increase for the Outer Banks; CHEC, NCDOT provide updates on storm preparation
Snowfall projections continued to increase on Tuesday afternoon, with 4-8 inches or more expected for Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands, according to the latest update from the National Weather Service (NWS).
“High confidence remains that we will see an impactful snow storm starting after sunset tonight and lasting through early tomorrow morning. Blowing and drifting snow is expected, and brief blizzard conditions are also possible, especially along the Outer Banks,” stated the NWS on Tuesday.
“Extremely cold weather will last through Thursday, with morning lows in the teens and wind chills in the single digits at times. Highs on Wednesday will likely not get above freezing despite the sunny skies, as fresh snow cover will limit heating, and little melting is expected. Any snow that does melt during the daytime will refreeze into black ice at night, prolonging hazardous travel conditions for several days.”
Additional graphics from the NWS are below.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for the Outer Banks from 5:00 p.m. Tuesday until 7:00 a.m. Wednesday.
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.
Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative (CHEC) Updates
Power outages are also a possibility, as demand for electric power, (namely heat), may surge. However, CHEC stated in an email to the Island Free Press on Tuesday that they were prepared for the adverse weather ahead.
“CHEC is closely monitoring weather conditions and is prepared to respond quickly should the approaching winter weather result in power outages. Conditions like snow, ice, or a wintry mix can lead to power outages, caused primarily by falling trees and branches contacting power lines,” said Laura Ertle, Director of Public Relations & Marketing for CHEC.
“Our top priority is serving our members. If the storm causes power outages, we will do everything we can to minimize disruption of service while keeping members informed and safe. Our crews and equipment are prepped and ready to go should the weather cause power outages. We encourage members to report any outages by calling 866-511-9862.
“If needed, we will communicate with the membership through text, on social media – Facebook, X and Instagram – and by broadcasting on Radio Hatteras, 99.9FM/101.5FM, and of course, sending updates to IFP as needed. Our office in Buxton will be opened and staffed from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., regardless of conditions.”
NCDOT Updates
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) stated on Tuesday that personnel have pre-treated the roads and bridges as much as possible, however, travel is not advised through Wednesday.
“We’ve been out putting salt brine on roads since the weekend, and are completing those operations to get ready for what Mother Nature brings,” said NCDOT’s Chief Operating Officer Chris Peoples. “People should get any food and supplies they may need now so they don’t have to be on the roads later today, tonight, or tomorrow morning unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
NCDOT stated that they have trucks across eastern N.C. that can be equipped with plows and spreaders to remove snow and ice. The agency also has a fleet of motor graders, and facilities for storing tons of salt used to treat roads before, during, and after winter storms.
More than 800 NCDOT employees in the eastern half of the state have been pre-treating roads and getting ready for the storm. As of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, NCDOT crews statewide had placed more than 1.7 million gallons of brine on roads statewide. The saltwater solution lowers the freezing temperature of water to about 18 degrees, helping prevent ice from forming on pavement.
NCDOT crews will also be staged to respond once the precipitation begins, and per the NCDOT, they will work around the clock to plow and treat snow and ice until all state-maintained roads are cleared. Crews will also be ready with chainsaws to cut and remove downed trees from roads.
Dare and Hyde County Updates
On Tuesday afternoon, Dare County posted information and guidance from Dare County Emergency Management on the imminent winter storm, and also announced a series of closures and cancellations, which includes all Dare County offices, Dare County DSS Court and Small Claims Court, trash collection, and all activities at the Fessenden Center on Wednesday.
All Hyde County offices are also closed as of 3:00 p.m. Tuesday.
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.
