Winter storm warning up; 2-3 inches of snow possible on OBX

By Rob Morris on January 2, 2018

Forcasters now see more snow on the Outer Banks than previously expected, with 2-3 inches possible overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning.

A winter storm warning has been posted for northeastern North Carolina starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Some areas west of the sounds could see up to 6 inches, according to the National Weather Service.

Winds are also expected to be stronger, running as high as 45 mph with gusts pushing up to 60 mph along the coast.

The storm is likely to start with freezing rain even if the temperature rises above 32 degrees. The ground will still be cold after three days of frigid weather, the Weather Service said, so rain might freeze after it hits the ground.

Driving will be hazardous as the freezing rain turns to snow. Visibility could be difficult at times, the Weather Service said. The storm warning runs through 1 p.m. Thursday.

Dare County Schools will be on a three-hour early release schedule on Wednesday, and all after school activities have been called off.

Perquimans County Schools will be closed Wednesday with an optional teacher workday, and Beaufort County Schools are also getting out three hours early.

Winds will pick up from the north to nearly 30 mph overnight Wednesday and Thursday, drawing cold air into the region. Highs Thursday will be around 34, but then the temperature will take another dive below freezing.

Temperatures will drop to 19 degrees Thursday night followed by a blustery Friday with highs around 28.

Sunshine is forecast for Saturday, but it will only be 27 degrees outside.

Sunday’s outlook is a little better, with highs near 40, followed by a relatively balmy Monday under mostly cloudy skies.