Historic Snowfall Blankets the Carolinas
Recent snowstorms across the Carolinas have created a rare winter landscape, captivating residents from the mountains to the coastal regions. Charlotte’s football stadium, usually home to the Carolina Panthers, experienced heavy snowfall that made it resemble snowy Buffalo instead of its typical warmer setting. South Carolina’s Lowcountry witnessed snow blanketing palm trees and Southern live oaks draped in Spanish moss. Coastal areas, like Oak Island, saw a transformed shoreline where snow-covered paths replaced the usual flip-flop prints.
Historic Snowfall and Conditions
The winter storms have resulted in historic snowfall. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, reported varying snowfall amounts across the state. The total accumulation ranged from 5.8 inches in Wilmington to a staggering 18 inches in parts of Pender County. Coastal regions experienced approximately six to ten inches of snow, marking the most significant snowfall in nearly four decades.
This storm is described as a significant event, with Phil Zouzias, a meteorologist, stating, “For some people, it’s the storm of their life.”
Travel Disruptions and Safety Concerns
Alongside the beauty of the snowfall, the storms raised serious safety issues. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein reported over 1,000 traffic collisions over the weekend, which tragically resulted in two fatalities. Major traffic incidents created delays, including an extensive jam on Interstate 85 caused by a collision between a tractor-trailer and a Jeep, stranding over 100 vehicles.
Authorities urged residents to avoid traveling. In Greenville, police advised residents to stay home due to treacherous road conditions caused by ice. Chief Howie Thompson expressed concern for public safety, stating that police resources were stretched thin responding to numerous accidents.
Road Conditions and Emergency Responses
- More than 2,500 DOT workers were deployed to clear roads.
- Main road clearances could take several days; secondary roads may take up to a week.
- Over 10,000 residents in the Carolinas faced power outages.
Air Travel and Meteorological Updates
Air travel faced significant disruptions as well, with about 56% of flights canceled at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Raleigh-Durham International Airport experienced a quarter of its flights being canceled, while Wilmington and Myrtle Beach faced cancellations over 60% of their scheduled flights.
Forecasters warned of strong winds along the East Coast as the storm moved away from the Carolinas. Brian Hurley from the Weather Prediction Center indicated that while the snowfall would taper off, strong winds would persist.
Community and Cultural Adaptations
Despite the challenges brought on by the storm, residents found moments of joy. The Riverbend Creamery in Lincolnton encouraged locals to create “snow cream,” a sweet treat using fresh snow. Many churches, including Little Rock A.M.E. Zion in Charlotte, postponed services, allowing families to spend the day indoors.
Reverend Dr. Derrill Blue noted that his children chose to enjoy the snowy view from inside rather than venture outdoors, preferring the warmth of their home and video games over the cold.
This winter may have led to challenges, but it also fostered community spirit and adaptation in the Carolinas during this historic snowfall.
