Winter Storm Watch issued for Eastern NC, but Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands will see mostly rain

Confidence is increasing that a winter storm will impact Eastern North Carolina and the northern Outer Banks from Wednesday through Thursday, however, Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are expected to have mostly rain with a minor chance of snow showers and freezing rain, according to an update from the National Weather Service (NWS).

“The highest threat for snow and ice will be along and west of Highway 17 and north of Highway 264,” stated the NWS. “Precipitation types and amounts are dependent on the storm track, and may change dramatically from town to town, especially as you go inland.”

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for some portions of the Outer Banks, including mainland Dare County, East Lake, Stumpy Point, Manns Harbor, Manteo, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck, and Currituck.

In these northern Outer Banks areas, there is potential for heavy mixed precipitation with total snow accumulations of one to three inches with a light glaze of ice possible. Conditions could lead to slippery road conditions that may impact travel starting Wednesday into Thursday.

As of Monday afternoon, northern Hatteras Island is forecasted to have less than an inch of snow, while southern Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands are expected to have rain with the possibility of snow showers and strong, northwest winds of 20-30 mph.

Cold temperatures will linger for most of the week, with a chance of below-freezing temps on Thursday and Friday along the Outer Banks.

The public is advised to protect outdoor pets and sensitive vegetation, and to take precautionary steps to protect pipes, if needed. As temperatures drop, keeping a slow flow of water in faucets may help keep uninsulated pipes from freezing.

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.