Washington, North Carolina

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    winter weather awareness week in North Carolina
                    Nov 29 - Dec 5, 2009
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This week has been declared winter weather awareness week in North
Carolina. All week long the National Weather Service will be issuing
informative messages to help you prepare for winter weather.

Each day we will cover a different topic. Today we will talk about
snow statistics for the area and The Hazards created by snow.

A little amount of snow can adversely impact the area in very little
time. The average seasonal snowfall ranges from 4 to 6 inches across
Martin, Pitt, and Greene counties to less than 2 inches across the
Outer Banks. In recent years Winters in eastern North Carolina have
been unusually active. Three major winter storms have occurred in
with each storm depositing 8 or more inches of snow. The winter
storm that occurred in early December of 2000 dumped 8 to 12 inches
of snow over parts of Martin, Pitt, and Greene counties. In early
January of 2002, parts of Lenoir, Duplin, Greene, Pitt, and Martin
counties received up to 9 inches of snow. In early January of 2003,
portions of the Outer Banks received up to 12 inches of snow with
drifts to up to 4 feet. Mainland Dare, Mainland Hyde, and downeast
Carteret County received 8 inches of snow. This was the most snow
which had fallen on the Outer Banks since the snowstorm of December
1989. Another unusual fact about the storm was that all 100 counties
in North Carolina received measurable snow.

Heavy snow accumulations can bring down and trees and power lines. In
rural areas, heavy snow can isolate homes for days. Driving in snow
can become very hazardous. About seventy percent of all winter
related deaths occur in automobiles when cars slide on slippery
roads causing accidents. When snow falls and roadways become
dangerous you should only travel when necessary.

Preparing for snow before it falls is best. When snow is in the
forecast and it looks as though conditions will become hazardous,
make sure that you have enough food and medicine at your house to
last several days. Also make sure that there is enough fuel for
alternative heat sources such as fireplaces and heaters. It is also
helpful to have a full tank of gas in your car.

Being prepared also means having the necessary information to make
the right decisions. The Newport/Morehead City National Weather
Service issues winter storm advisories when 1 to 3 inches of snow
accumulation is expected. When 4 or more inches of snow is forecast
the National Weather Service issues winter storm watches and
warnings to protect life and property. These watches and warnings
are issued as much as 36 hours in advance of the snow to allow the
community and local governments to prepare and plan for the winter
weather.