Emerald Isle Beach Buried Under Historic Blizzard as Coastal North Carolina Sees Its Biggest Snowstorm Since 1989
EMERALD ISLE BEACH, NORTH CAROLINA — A once-in-a-generation blizzard has transformed the North Carolina coastline into a scene more typical of New England than the Outer Banks, as Emerald Isle Beach and surrounding coastal communities were buried under 17 to 20 inches of snow, with wind-driven drifts piling as high as four feet.
Meteorologists say this is the largest snowstorm to strike the Carolina coast since the historic Blizzard of 1989, placing the event firmly in the record books.
Snow Totals Reach Levels Rarely Seen Along the Coast
Preliminary measurements across Emerald Isle and nearby coastal areas confirm widespread snowfall exceeding a foot, with several locations approaching or surpassing 20 inches. The combination of heavy snow bands and strong winds caused dramatic drifting, leaving dunes, walkways, and beach access points completely buried.
Photographs from Emerald Isle show snow-covered beaches, frozen dunes, and snowmen standing just yards from the Atlantic Ocean, underscoring the extraordinary nature of the storm.
Powerful Winds Create Four-Foot Snow Drifts
This was not just a heavy snow event — intense coastal winds turned it into a true blizzard. Sustained winds and gusts repeatedly lifted and relocated snow, producing drifts up to four feet high in exposed areas.
Homes, fencing, and vegetation along the barrier islands were partially engulfed, and many secondary roads and beach access routes became impassable due to drifting alone.
How This Storm Compares to the 1989 Blizzard
Weather experts are already drawing comparisons to the legendary 1989 Blizzard, long considered the benchmark winter storm for eastern North Carolina. While exact final totals are still being compiled, early indicators suggest this storm rivals that event in both snowfall and coastal impact.
What makes this storm especially remarkable is its direct hit on the immediate coastline, where ocean moderation usually prevents extreme snow accumulation.
Travel, Power, and Recovery Challenges Continue
Although snowfall has ended, recovery will take time. Deep drifts and compacted snow are expected to linger for days, particularly in shaded and wind-protected areas. Coastal communities may continue to face limited access, delayed services, and isolated power issues as cleanup progresses.
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to watch for hidden hazards beneath the snow, especially near dunes and boardwalks.
A Storm That Will Be Remembered for Decades
For long-time residents and meteorologists alike, this blizzard will be remembered as a defining weather event for coastal North Carolina. Snowfall of this magnitude, combined with blizzard conditions directly on the beach, is something many will never witness again in their lifetimes. Cabarrus Weekly will continue to monitor post-storm impacts and any additional record confirmations as official reports are finalized.
