Residents of Carteret County, N.C., were surprised to wake up to a blanket of snow covering the Crystal Coast, a popular vacation destination, this morning. Many locals and visitors were taken aback by the unusual weather for this area, which is typically known for its mild winters. “This is definitely not common. I mean, this is a lot for this area,” said Lisa Scott, a Morehead City resident.
For those living along the coast, snow is an unexpected sight, especially for those who come here to escape harsh winter conditions elsewhere. “It’s not supposed to snow at the beach,” said Stephen Antico, another Morehead City resident. He added that the snow brought back memories of his time in Indiana, where snow would sometimes stick around from Thanksgiving to early April.
The snow began Tuesday evening and continued into Wednesday morning, causing hazardous road conditions due to ice and snow. Some roads in the area remain unsafe for travel. While the weather led to a day off for some, Lisa Scott, an employee at Carteret Health Care, was offered a hotel room to ensure a safe commute to work. “They gave us the accommodation for tonight,” Scott said, noting that the hospital made sure employees could still make it to work safely.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation crews have been busy working to clear snow and ice from roadways across Carteret County. As of the latest reports, three cars had been pulled from ditches overnight due to the treacherous road conditions. Antico, who is familiar with winter driving, advised caution: “My best advice is to stay off the roads and stay inside where it’s warm.”
With frigid temperatures, freezing rain, snow, and increasing winds, local officials warned that conditions may worsen before they improve. Residents are urged to stay alert and prioritize safety as the storm continues to impact the area.
