Raleigh, North Carolina – Snowfall has been highly uneven across North Carolina this winter, but two regions stand out from late September through early February: the western mountains and parts of the southeastern coast near Wilmington. While most of the state has seen limited accumulation, these areas have logged the highest seasonal totals.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s National Snowfall Analysis, parts of western North Carolina and the lower Cape Fear region have recorded up to 2 feet of snow since Sept. 30. In the mountains, elevation and colder air have fueled repeated snow events, while near the coast, a small number of rare but well-timed winter storms have contributed to seasonal accumulation.
In the west, Boone, Banner Elk, Beech Mountain, and surrounding High Country communities are near the upper end of the range. Snow has lingered between systems, frequently impacting travel along U.S. 421, U.S. 221, and sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially during overnight hours.
Along the southeastern coast, Wilmington and nearby communities in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties have picked up measurable snow during infrequent cold outbreaks. While uncommon, these events have caused hazardous conditions on bridges, elevated roadways, and along U.S. 17 when temperatures drop below freezing.
Much of the Piedmont, including Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, has seen little to no lasting snow this season, with many systems falling as rain. NCDOT continues to remind drivers that both mountain roads and coastal bridges can become dangerous quickly during rare snow events. With winter still ongoing, additional cold systems could still bring snow to favored areas before the season concludes.
