New Bern, North Carolina Buried Under Nearly Two Feet of Snow as Powerful Winds Create Four-Foot-High Drifts Along the Coast
NEW BERN, NORTH CAROLINA — An extraordinary winter storm has left New Bern buried under approximately two feet of snow, with wind-driven drifts piling up to nearly four feet tall in some locations, according to reports and visual confirmation from the area.
This is not a typo or an exaggeration. The snowfall totals are real, and the impacts are clearly visible across waterfront properties, outdoor spaces, and coastal neighborhoods where snow of this magnitude is almost unheard of.
Heavy Snowfall Meets Coastal Winds
The provided image shows thick, compacted snow covering patios, furniture, railings, and walkways near the water, with palm trees partially encased in snow — a striking visual for eastern North Carolina’s coast. While the measured snowfall sits near two feet, strong winds have dramatically reshaped the landscape, pushing snow into towering drifts reaching roughly four feet in height.
These drifts form where wind funnels snow against structures, fences, and natural barriers, making some areas appear even more deeply buried than the official snowfall totals suggest.
A Rare and Historic Scene for Eastern North Carolina
New Bern is no stranger to winter weather, but snowfall of this depth is exceptionally rare, especially near the coast. The combination of heavy snow accumulation and sustained wind has turned what would already be a significant event into a visually stunning and highly disruptive storm.
Outdoor spaces have effectively disappeared beneath layers of snow, and movement through affected areas is likely difficult without significant clearing efforts.
Impacts Likely to Linger
With this level of accumulation, residents may face prolonged cleanup, limited accessibility, and lingering icy conditions as temperatures fluctuate. Snow packed into deep drifts can take days — or longer — to fully melt, particularly in shaded or wind-protected areas.
Scenes like this underscore just how intense and unusual this winter storm has been for coastal North Carolina communities.
If you’re tracking extreme winter weather across the country or have experienced unusual conditions where you live, stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com for continued coverage of major and unexpected weather events shaping communities nationwide.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.