News Summary
Outer Banks, N.C. faced an unusual snowfall starting January 22, resulting in school closures and unsafe driving conditions. Some regions saw up to 9 inches of snow, prompting authorities to discourage travel. Various schools announced closures for the following day, and local attractions temporarily shut down due to the weather. Despite the challenges, many residents embraced the snowy conditions, engaging in winter activities and capturing the beautiful, snow-covered landscapes of the area. This rare event highlights the ongoing impact of an unusual storm system across the southeast.
Outer Banks, N.C. experienced a rare snowfall event beginning on January 22, 2025, resulting in school closures and hazardous road conditions. Snowfall amounts varied significantly across the region, with some areas reporting up to 9 inches of snow, leading to a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service.
Significant snowfall totals included:
- Wright Brothers National Memorial: 9.0 inches
- Rodanthe: 8.0 inches
- Kill Devil Hills: 8 inches
- Southern Shores: 7.0 inches
- Duck: 6.5 inches
- Manteo: 6 inches
- Ocracoke Village: 8.3 inches
- Columbia, Tyrrell County: 6.5 inches
- Currituck County: between 5.0 and 7.5 inches
Road conditions turned dangerous as temperatures remained below freezing, posing risks for drivers. Local authorities discouraged travel and advised motorists to maintain safe distances from each other. Cape Hatteras National Seashore responded to the weather by temporarily closing all Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) ramps due to poor beach driving conditions where numerous vehicles became stuck. The North Carolina Ferry Service also suspended all routes in the area due to the adverse winter conditions.
In response to the severe weather, Dare County Schools, Currituck County Schools, and Tyrrell County Schools announced closures for January 23, 2025, with no remote instruction planned. Additionally, Dare County offices were closed the next day, and trash collection services were canceled in light of the inclement weather.
The excitement surrounding the snowfall was palpable among residents, with many children taking advantage of the rare opportunity to build snowmen and participate in other winter activities. Photographers and visitors flocked to the Outer Banks in hopes of capturing the stunning scenes of snow-covered landscapes, particularly against the backdrop of local landmarks such as the Bodie Island lighthouse.
This snowfall event marks a significant occurrence as the last major snowfall in the Outer Banks was recorded two years ago, on January 3, 2018, when the area saw less than an inch of snow. The current winter conditions are part of a broader storm system affecting the southeastern United States, with reports of snow also reaching cities like Houston and New Orleans, marking an unusual weather phenomenon for the region.
As visibility remains low and temperatures drop, residents are urged to stay informed and adhere to safety guidelines while enjoying the winter wonderland that the Outer Banks has transformed into.
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Additional Resources
- WRAL: Historic Snow in Outer Banks
- Wikipedia: Outer Banks
- WTKR: Outer Banks Forecast
- Google Search: Weather Outer Banks
- Weather.com: Nags Head 10 Day Forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Outer Banks
- WTKR: Outer Banks Winter Weather Preparedness
- Google News: Outer Banks Snow
