Confidence is high that a winter storm will impact Eastern NC and the northern Outer Banks from Wednesday through Thursday, however, Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are expected to have mostly rain, according to an update from the National Weather Service (NWS) Newport/Morehead City Office.
Per the NWS, the updated forecast issued Wednesday morning calls for increased ice accumulations over portions of eastern NC, and slightly lowered snow accumulation amounts.
“Uncertainty continues in snow amounts north of US 64, with [the] potential for higher snow totals than currently forecasted,” stated the NWS on Wednesday morning.
A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for most of Eastern NC and portions of the Outer Banks, including Manteo, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck, and Currituck County.
In these Outer Banks areas, there is the potential for mixed precipitation with 1-3 inches of snow, with a light glaze of ice possible. Conditions could lead to slippery road conditions that may impact travel starting Wednesday and continuing into Thursday.
The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7:00 a.m. Wednesday until 10:00 a.m. Thursday. A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for mainland Dare County.
As of Wednesday, Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are expected to have rain and strong northerly winds of 20-30 mph with higher gusts. However, this could change and the southern Outer Banks could see minor snowfall accumulation, depending on the temperatures.
A “worst case scenario” weather map from the NWS, which shows the maximum amount of snow possible with the storm, is below. This scenario may happen if colder temperatures and a slight shift in the storm track occurs.
“As conditions start to worsen this morning, roads could become slippery in areas,” said Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson on Wednesday. “Take it slow and be ready for delays. Travel to the west and north should be avoided until conditions improve and roads are cleared.”
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.
