Eastern North Carolina Buried Under Historic Snowfall as Reports Approach Two Feet in Coastal and Inland Communities
NORTH CAROLINA — A historic and potentially generational winter storm is unfolding across Eastern North Carolina, where preliminary snow depth reports indicate nearly two feet of snow has already fallen in several coastal and inland communities, placing this event among the most extreme winter storms the region has seen in decades.
Snow Totals Approaching Two Feet Across Eastern Counties
High-resolution model data and early snow depth reports show remarkable accumulation totals across a wide swath of Eastern North Carolina. Communities reporting 18 inches or more include Washington (16.6″), Belhaven (17.6″), Swan Quarter (19.7″), and Atlantic (16.6″).
Even higher totals are being observed farther south and inland, with Vanceboro, New Bern, and Aurora all reporting around 20.8 inches, while Bayboro and Havelock are approaching or exceeding 23 inches of snowfall.
Coastal and Inland Areas Both Experiencing Extreme Impacts
Unlike many winter storms that favor either inland or coastal zones, this system has produced widespread extreme snowfall across both regions. The snow intensity and duration have allowed accumulations to pile up rapidly, overwhelming road crews and leaving large portions of the region effectively immobilized.
Snow depths of this magnitude are exceptionally rare for Eastern North Carolina, particularly near coastal waterways where marine influence often limits totals.
Comparisons Being Drawn to the 1989 Blizzard
Meteorologists and long-time residents are already comparing this storm to the historic 1989 Blizzard, which remains the benchmark winter event for much of the Carolinas. While final totals and official records are still pending, early indications suggest this storm could rival or locally exceed that event in terms of snow depth across parts of the region.
The combination of persistent snowfall, strong winds, and very cold temperatures has created conditions that many are calling generational.
Travel Conditions Remain Dangerous or Impossible
With snow depths exceeding one to nearly two feet, travel across Eastern North Carolina remains extremely dangerous or outright impossible in many areas. Secondary roads are largely impassable, and even major routes are struggling to keep up with snow removal.
Cold temperatures mean little melting is expected, allowing snow to remain in place for an extended period and prolonging impacts well beyond the end of snowfall.
What Happens Next
Snowfall may gradually taper, but cleanup and recovery will take days, if not longer. Emergency services urge residents to remain off roads unless absolutely necessary and to check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to prolonged cold and isolation.
If you are in Eastern North Carolina and experiencing deep snow, blocked roads, or power issues, share what conditions look like in your area. Stay with CabarrusWeekly.com for continued updates, verified reports, and ongoing coverage of this historic winter storm.
