Waking up to a snOBX is still likely; winds could cause power issues

Snow already covering Sam Walker’s dock over the Currituck Sound in Waterlily on Friday afternoon.

Forecasts have been right on the nose so far with the winter storm that is forecast to bring 1 to 3 inches of snow to the northern beaches, and even higher accumulations possible in Corolla and across inland northeastern North Carolina.

A Winter Storm Warning, Wind Advisory, High Surf Advisory and Coastal Flood Advisory continue for the Outer Banks into Saturday.

Rain will continue from Duck to Ocracoke, Roanoke Island and the Dare mainland, before transitioning to a wintery mix later Friday night and then snow overnight north of Oregon Inlet.

Inland areas saw a faster transition to all sleet and snow late in the afternoon, and could even see periods of near whiteout conditions overnight.

North winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 possible. Some minor soundside flooding is expected along southern Hatteras Island and Ocracoke.

There could be some overwash on the ocean side in the normal trouble areas of N.C. 12 around Saturday morning’s high tide, and blowing sand will also be an issue through the night on Pea Island between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe.

Those winds were also likely responsible for a pole fire and brief power outage this afternoon in Kill Devil Hills immediately south of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, including the traffic lights at U.S. 158 and Colington Road, Colington Road/Veterans Drive and Ocean Bay Boulevard/N.C. 12.

A Dominion Energy lineman used a fire extinguisher to put out the burning pole on Carlton Avenue in Kill Devil Hills, courtesy Capt. J.C. Towler, KDHPD:

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Erik Heden from the National Weather Service office in Newport/Morehead City joined us midday Friday with an update about what to expect:

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Once the storm clears, temperatures will get above freezing on the Outer Banks which will allow some melting on Saturday. Inland areas will stay around or just below freezing all day.

Saturday night will see temps drop below freezing in some areas leading to icy road surfaces. Sunday will bring temperatures that will stay well above freezing as we start next week.

Closings, postponements from local governments

The Dare County Parks and Recreation Department’s Hatteras Island Division has announced that there are currently no changes or cancellations for any youth basketball games that are scheduled to take place at the Fessenden Center in Buxton on Saturday, January 22, 2022, as of Friday, January 21, 2021.

A decision regarding any potential changes and/or cancellations will be made at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022. Any changes will be announced at that time, and coaches will be notified.

Earlier today, the Dare County Parks and Recreation Department announced the cancellation of youth basketball games and practices at its Northern Beach Division and Roanoke Island/Mainland Division (north of Oregon Inlet) due to the inclement weather that is forecast to occur during this weekend’s winter storm.

For more information, please contact the Fessenden Center at 252-475-5650 or visit www.DareNC.com/Parks.


The Dare County Libraries will be closed on Saturday January 22, 2022 due to the inclement weather that is forecasted to occur during this weekend’s winter storm.

No overdue fines are charged on days the libraries are closed. We remind our library customers that eBooks, Audiobooks and other digital content are available 24/7 from the comfort of your own home using the link below.


All Currituck County recycling convenience centers, and the transfer station will will remain closed until Monday, Jan. 24. This is due to the landfill in Bertie County being closed through the weekend.