News Summary
Kitty Hawk, NC experienced significant snow accumulation this week, with totals reaching around 9 inches. Amidst the winter storm, a juvenile humpback whale has washed ashore near Bennett Street Beach Access, captivating residents and tourists while prompting a community response. Weather-related incidents have also peaked with nearly 2,700 traffic accidents reported in North Carolina. As the community rallies together, a warm-up is expected soon.
Heavy Snow and an Unexpected Visitor on the Outer Banks
Kitty Hawk Sees Significant Snow Accumulation
It’s been quite a dramatic weather week on the Outer Banks, especially in the charming town of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The snow has really piled up, with residents reporting impressive totals of around 9 inches! NCDOT webcams show the roads from Kitty Hawk all the way to the Hatteras Ferry dock are blanketed in a thick layer of snow. Those living in coastal areas can expect anywhere from 4 to 6 inches, which, for many, is an unusual sight. The fluffy white stuff has attracted both delight and disbelief, especially from tourists who probably didn’t sign up for a winter wonderland vacation.
A Majestic Humpback Whale Makes an Appearance
In a twist that nobody saw coming, a juvenile female humpback whale has made its way to the shores near the Bennett Street Beach Access, washing ashore in the midst of the storm. The sight of a beached whale is both heartbreaking and beautiful, leaving onlookers captivated and mourning at the same time. This remarkable creature drew a crowd of tourists and locals alike, all expressing a mix of sadness over its plight and awe at witnessing such an impressive marine mammal up close.
The Kitty Hawk Police Department was quick to alert the community through social media, ensuring that everyone knows assistance is on the way from the Virginia Aquarium. A necropsy is slated for Saturday morning to determine the cause of this whale’s unusual journey to land, after which it will be buried right there on the beach, allowing it to return to nature in a respectful way. There’s a gentle reminder, however, to keep a safe distance; touching the whale is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Marking a Troubling Trend
Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time a whale has washed ashore in this region. There have been past occurrences along the East Coast, including incidents in Corolla and near Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Each time, it’s a stark reminder of the complex relationship between marine life and human activity. Tourists gazed upon the beached whale with a reverent sense of respect, many sharing their feelings about both its majesty and the tragedy of its situation.
Weather Woes and a Fire Emergency
Meanwhile, the winter storm isn’t the only drama unfolding in Kitty Hawk. A structure fire at Kittyhawk Plaza impacted Gentle Family Dentistry, although thankfully, no injuries were reported. The Middletown Fire Department had to battle through challenging winter weather to get it under control, but they successfully extinguished the blaze and prevented any further damage from wind gusts. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with assistance from multiple nearby fire departments.
This week’s winter storm has been rough. Across the state, North Carolina saw nearly 2,700 traffic accidents from Tuesday night through Thursday afternoon alone, alongside over 4,220 calls for service related to the inclement weather. One tragic incident has been linked to the storm: a 26-year-old lost control of their vehicle amid the treacherous conditions, serving as a sobering reminder for everyone to stay cautious while driving.
Looking Ahead
Fortunately, the weather forecast suggests that a quick warm-up is on the horizon, so hopefully, we can look forward to melting snow and a welcome break from this icy grip. It’s been a week of unexpected events and a true test of resilience for the residents of the Outer Banks, but the community spirit remains strong as they navigate these unique challenges together.
Stay warm, Kitty Hawk, and be safe out there!
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Additional Resources
- WITN: OBX Getting Heavy Dose of Snow
- Wikipedia: Weather in the United States
- 13 News Now: Dead Humpback Whale Washes Ashore
- Google Search: Humpback Whale Incidents
- Hoodline: Firefighters Tackle Blaze Amid Snowstorm
- Google Scholar: Fire Emergencies During Winter Storms
- Pilot Online: Obituaries in Kitty Hawk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Whale
- Outer Banks Voice: Snow on the Outer Banks
- Google News: Outer Banks Weather
