News Summary

Manteo, a town in the Outer Banks, has experienced its largest snowfall in over two years, bringing joy to residents and tourists alike. With 10 inches of snow recorded, locals engaged in traditional winter activities such as building snowmen and making snow cream. The delightful winter storm also caused some closures, but many visitors traveled to capture the snowy scenery. This rare event has turned the Outer Banks into a picturesque winter landscape, creating unforgettable memories for everyone. An unexpected surprise truly adds magic to the season!

Winter Wonderland in Manteo: Outer Banks Drenched in Snow!

Oh, Manteo! The quaint town is bustling with excitement as a majestic winter storm sweeps through the Outer Banks, blanketing the area in beautiful white snow. For the first time in over two years, locals are waking up to a winter wonderland, and the memories of snowball fights and hot cocoa are coming flooding back. After all, there’s something magical about snow that brings out the kid in all of us!

Record-Snowfall Adventures

As the storm raged on Tuesday afternoon around 4 p.m., Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head started to see the snowy spectacle unfold. The National Weather Service in Wakefield quickly began tracking the accumulating snow, and the totals are truly remarkable—Manteo reported its largest one-day snowfall of 10 inches, making it a record-breaker! This snow feat even surpasses the prior record set way back in February 1980.

But Manteo isn’t alone in sharing the snow spotlight! Cape Hatteras upped the snowfall ante with an impressive 11 inches from way back in 1917. Meanwhile, neighboring Kitty Hawk experienced a delightful 9 inches and Kill Devil Hills wasn’t far behind with 8 inches. The Outer Banks has transformed into a snow globe, making it a perfect backdrop for some unforgettable winter memories!

Snow Day Fun and Frosty Temperatures

The residents, brimming with enthusiasm, eagerly dove into classic winter activities. Kids and adults alike were spotted building snowmen, with some even opting for the sweet tradition of making snow cream. Out came the mittens and hats as families engaged in friendly snowball fights and laughter filled the air. What’s more delightful than watching the world turn into a snowy canvas, filled with joy and laughter?

However, not everything was smooth sailing amid the frosty charm! The storm also led to some closures. Dare County’s government offices and schools went dark as a safety precaution due to hazardous conditions. As nighttime approached, temperatures were expected to dip into the teens, with wind chills reaching single digits. Talk about a chilly evening!

Wider Impact Across the Region

While the Outer Banks was coated in white, neighboring Virginia experienced a different story. Most locations received just 1-2 inches of snow, with the Eastern Shore seeing minimal snowfall. However, communities closer to the coast and the Virginia/North Carolina state line got hit with a bit more snow. In Hampton Roads, the average annual snowfall is about 6.2 inches, meaning this latest storm is just a blip on the radar, albeit a memorable one!

Interestingly, the last significant snowfall for the region was back on January 3, 2018, when Wilmington saw a modest 3.4 inches. Predictions had hinted at a snowy affair with forecasts suggesting up to 6 inches for Outer Banks but ended up exceeding expectations—oh what a delightful surprise!

Travel Caution and Snowy Tourism

As the snow danced delicately down and created a picturesque scene, Dare County Emergency Management stepped up to advise locals to limit travel due to potentially dangerous road conditions. But that didn’t stop some adventurous visitors! People flocked from nearby areas, including Virginia Beach and Raleigh, to embrace the winter magic. The iconic Bodie Island lighthouse, wrapped in a snow blanket, quickly became a hot spot for those wanting to capture their snowy moments for social media!

This snowstorm didn’t just stop at North Carolina; it affected several southeastern states. Texas and New Orleans also experienced their share of the same weather system. It’s incredible how nature’s whims can connect us through weather patterns—even when we’re miles apart!

The winter storm has brought a refreshing sparkle to the Outer Banks, and as the snowflakes continue to fall, it’s safe to say that both residents and visitors are cherishing this unique winter moment. Winter can be unpredictable, but nothing is sweeter than sharing the warmth of joy in a snow-covered paradise!