News Summary
Manteo, North Carolina is preparing for an extraordinary winter storm that may bring 4 to 6 inches of snow, making it a memorable event. With road conditions worsening, local officials urge residents to travel cautiously. Local schools are closed, creating unexpected snow days for children. This storm could rank among the highest snowfall events in Outer Banks history, providing locals with a unique winter wonderland experience amidst concerns for safety.
Manteo, N.C. Braces for Historic Snowstorm
Well, folks, it seems like the cool vibes of coastal life have taken a frosty turn in Manteo, North Carolina. Residents of this beautiful Outer Banks town are gearing up for something truly extraordinary, as they prepare for an all-out winter showdown. Yes, you heard it right—an atypical winter wonderland is heading our way!
Wake Up to Winter: What to Expect
The weather forecast is sounding the alarms with predictions of snowfall ranging from 4 to 6 inches across the Outer Banks. This isn’t just your everyday sprinkle of snow, either. Given that we typically see rain during winter weather events—thanks to that pesky rain-snow transition line—this all-snow event has caught everyone by surprise. It’s shaping up to be a memorable time for locals, who may witness one of the biggest snowfalls in history right in their backyards!
For some context, Manteo’s record for the largest single-day snowfall stands at a whopping 10 inches, a record set way back in February 1980. To put a cherry on top of this snowy sundae, Cape Hatteras holds the record for the most snow ever recorded in the area—an astonishing 11 inches back in 1917. How’s that for some serious snowfall stats? If the current storm lives up to its predictions, it could very well land among the top five snowfall events in Outer Banks history.
Storm Preparations Underway
As the snow began to fall around 3:15 PM on January 21, residents were prompted to batten down the hatches. The Dare County officials are hard at work, prepping for what could be hazardous road conditions. These helpful folks are launching plowing and salting operations to keep the roads as safe as possible. A winter storm warning has been issued, and it will remain in effect until 7 AM on January 22, 2025.
Dare County Emergency Management is advising everyone to limit unnecessary travel as the weather may turn treacherous. They are keeping a close eye on road conditions, ready to spring into action if necessary, so it’s definitely not a time for a joy ride!
How’s the Snow Stacking Up?
In terms of snowfall measurements, it’s looking like a winter fairytale come to life! As of the latest updates, here’s how some locations have fared:
- Wright Brothers National Memorial: 9.0 inches
- Rodanthe: 8.0 inches
- Southern Shores: 7.0 inches
- Manteo: 6.0 inches
- Ocracoke Village (Hyde County): 8.3 inches
With schools in Dare, Currituck, and Tyrrell Counties announcing closures, it looks like the kiddos are in for a surprise snow day! And don’t forget—Dare County offices will also be closed on January 23, 2025, so that everyone can enjoy this snowy spectacle safely from home.
Facing the Cold: What’s Next?
If you’re hoping to hit the beach or take a ferry ride, there’s a bit of a snag. The North Carolina Ferry Service has suspended all its routes due to the unforgiving winter conditions. Also, the Cape Hatteras National Seashore has temporarily closed all off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps because driving conditions on the beach are, quite frankly, too difficult.
Expect measurable snow to keep coming down into Wednesday morning, but it doesn’t stop there—the temperatures are forecasted to take a nose dive overnight. Be sure to keep an eye on those chilly evenings, as we might be looking at some rapidly freezing temperatures. Remember, folks, stay vigilant and safe as we navigate this surprising winter wonderland. Cheers to cozy nights in with hot cocoa and watching the snowflakes dance from the comfort of our homes!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Manteo Transformed into a Winter Wonderland
Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: How Often Do the Outer Banks Get Snow?
- WAVY: NCDOT Getting Ready for Snow
- The Coastland Times: Let It Snow!
- AOL: Snow in the Outer Banks? Yep, Happens!
- Wikipedia: Snow
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
