Unusual Coverage Spans Mountains to Coast (Image Credits: Flickr)
North Carolina – A fierce winter storm swept through the state in late January 2026, depositing snow across every one of its 100 counties for the first time in more than a decade.[1]
Unusual Coverage Spans Mountains to Coast
On February 2, NASA’s Terra satellite provided a striking overview of the aftermath. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instrument recorded a near-continuous layer of snow extending from western mountain communities to eastern coastal settlements.[1]
Officials at the North Carolina State Climate Office confirmed the rarity of this event. Snow reached even the sandy beaches, transforming familiar landscapes into winter scenes. Western areas saw the heaviest buildup after years without major accumulations. The storm’s reach extended slightly south, affecting parts of neighboring South Carolina.[1]
Snowfall Varied by Terrain and Location
Accumulations differed sharply across the state’s diverse geography. Mountainous regions in the west recorded more than 12 inches in spots, though Asheville experienced lighter totals. Charlotte in the central Piedmont tallied nearly a foot, its highest mark since 2004. Raleigh managed just 2.8 inches nearby.[1]
Coastal zones proved equally surprising. Parts of Carteret County measured over a foot, while Greenville inland hit 14 inches, a level unmatched since 1980. Beaufort endured intense blowing snow. Greenville, South Carolina, picked up about 5 inches from the system’s southern edge.[1]
| Region | Key Locations | Snow Totals |
|---|---|---|
| Western Mountains | Asheville area | Over 12 inches; lighter in spots |
| Piedmont | Charlotte, Raleigh | Nearly 12 inches; 2.8 inches |
| Coastal | Carteret County, Greenville, Beaufort | Over 12 inches; 14 inches |
Ideal Conditions Fueled the Storm
Snow events in North Carolina demand specific atmospheric ingredients. Cold air masses from the north must meet moisture from an approaching low-pressure system. Arctic chill from earlier in the week persisted during the January 31 weekend. A storm tracked close to the shore, amplifying the precipitation.[1]
This combination produced reliable snow statewide. Previous years had lacked such alignment, limiting coverage. The result marked a departure from recent patterns.[1]
Impacts Reached Beyond the Snow
Residents faced more than picturesque views. Slippery roads led to traffic jams and accidents throughout the state. Coastal winds whipped up large waves, exacerbating erosion. Overwash inundated Highway 12 in the Outer Banks with water and sand.[1]
Several homes on Hatteras Island succumbed to the surf and collapsed into the ocean. Recovery efforts focused on clearing paths and stabilizing shorelines. Local reports highlighted the challenges of navigating the unexpected blanket.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Snow fell in all 100 North Carolina counties, a first in over 10 years.[1]
- Satellite imagery from NASA’s Terra highlighted the scope from space.
- Coastal and mountain extremes reached over 12 inches in places.
From orbit, the snow appeared tranquil, yet it disrupted life below. Events like this remind observers of weather’s power in varied terrains. What experiences did you have with this storm? Share in the comments.
