North Carolina is grappling with hazardous road conditions after a historic snowstorm blanketed the state, leading to widespread disruptions and emergency responses.
A major nor’easter dumped record snowfall across all 100 North Carolina counties over the weekend, with eastern areas like Carteret County reporting up to 19.5 inches, marking the most significant winter event in decades for many communities. Strong winds created snow drifts of 2 to 3 feet in places such as New Bern, stranding vehicles and complicating cleanup efforts. Residents compared the storm to the historic 1989 snowfall, noting similar accumulations and impacts.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported over 1,112 crashes and 1,686 service calls since Saturday, including two fatal incidents in Robeson and Rutherford counties. Governor Josh Stein urged residents to avoid travel during a Sunday press conference, warning that treacherous conditions could persist for days due to freezing temperatures. He emphasized that black ice remains a risk, especially overnight, as temperatures are expected to stay in the teens and single digits through midweek.
More than 2,500 Department of Transportation crews are working overtime to clear snow, but officials acknowledge the process is slow due to the extensive road network and record accumulations. Secretary Daniel Johnson noted that while the dry snow is easier to clear than ice, some areas face unprecedented challenges. Key routes like North Carolina Highway 12 in the Outer Banks remain closed because of poor visibility and dangerous conditions.
Schools across the state have canceled classes or shifted to remote learning due to unsafe transportation, while emergency services implemented delayed response plans in affected counties like Onslow. Power outages were reported in eastern regions, adding to the disruptions. Despite the hazards, some residents ventured out to enjoy the snow, with pets seen playing in the accumulation.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory, cautioning that refreezing could turn roads into sheets of ice. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, with plows focusing on main roads while side streets remain heavily covered. Officials continue to monitor conditions and advise patience as teams work around the clock.
This event highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure in regions unaccustomed to extreme winter weather, with implications for future preparedness and response coordination in North Carolina.
