Due to the dangerous conditions posed by coastal flooding and significant snow accumulation expected across the county, Dare County Emergency Management urges all residents and visitors to finish making storm preparations as soon as possible and be prepared to ride out the storm.

Travel conditions will rapidly deteriorate this afternoon and evening (Saturday, January 31, 2026), becoming extremely hazardous through the night. Stay indoors, avoid travel, and remain off the roads through the weekend—and into next week—as travel conditions are unlikely to improve until temperatures rise above freezing.

Everyone is urged to remain indoors not only due to hazardous road conditions, but also because exposure to extreme cold, high winds and blowing snow can quickly lead to frostbite and hypothermia. These conditions significantly increase the risk of serious injury or death, even during short periods of time spent outdoors.

Ocean and soundside flooding is expected to occur in low-lying areas on both Hatteras Island and the northern beaches, with the most significant impacts anticipated early Sunday morning (February 1, 2026). Flooding will impact vulnerable areas, particularly along N.C. Highway 12, where conditions may deteriorate rapidly and lead to road closures. Travel along N.C. Highway 12 will become dangerous—and potentially life-threatening—and should be avoided, as conditions will continue to deteriorate until the storm has passed.

Residents and property owners located near the water—both the ocean and the sound—are encouraged to monitor rising water levels—and to be prepared to take immediate action to protect property (including vehicles) and relocate to higher ground if conditions warrant.

A State of Emergency remains in effect for all areas of Dare County, which will enable local officials to take actions to protect public health and safety during an emergency if needed.

A Winter Storm Warning, Coastal Flood Warning, High Wind Warning, High Surf Warning and Extreme Cold Warning remain in effect. For the latest briefing from the National Weather Service at Newport/Morehead City, N.C., visit Weather.gov/mhx or click the button below.

Key Impacts:

• A combination of snow, cold temperatures and wind that could lead to life-threatening conditions outside
• Wind gusts of 55–70+ mph
• Severe coastal flooding from both the ocean and sound, particularly in vulnerable, low-lying areas. Monitor rising water levels—and to be prepared to take immediate action
• Extremely cold temperatures in the teens and single digits
• Potential for scattered power outages

Text ”DareEmergencyAlerts” to 77295 to sign up for emergency text alerts.

Preventing Frozen Water Pipes and Reporting Water Leaks:

To help prevent frozen or burst pipes, allow faucets to drip, open cabinet doors to circulate warmer air around plumbing, and take other appropriate cold-weather precautions. Watch the video linked below for tips from the Dare County Water Department.

The Dare County Water Department advises water customers to report any water outages or water leaks to water@darenc.gov. Please include the location of the outage/leak, your name, and a phone number. Include pictures or video, if possible. You may also call 252-475-5990 and follow the prompts to report a water outage or a water leak.

Dare County Closures & Cancellations

REMINDER: All Dare County offices and facilities will be closed on Saturday, January 31, 2026 and Sunday, February 1, 2026. For additional information—including details regarding Dare County closures and cancellations—visit DareNC.gov/WinterStorm.

Municipal Closures & Cancellation Updates:

Town of Duck:

Residential recycling collection for Monday, February 2, 2026 has been cancelled. Tidewater Fibre Corporation (TFC) will resume recycling collection on Monday, February 9, 2026 and Monday, February 16, 2026. Please secure recycling containers.

At this time, Waste Management has made no change to their Monday collection schedule. This is subject to change. Please secure your waste containers.

As conditions continue to deteriorate, please stay off the roads and avoid all unnecessary travel. Visit ducknc.gov for more information and updates.

Town of Southern Shores:

Monday trash collection has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

Road conditions may remain hazardous for several days, so please plan ahead. While the Town does not have the resources to clear streets, Public Works will focus on opening main routes for essential personnel as conditions allow.

Residents are advised to monitor Dare County’s Winter Storm Updates for the latest information at DareNC.gov/WinterStorm.

Town of Kitty Hawk:

Due to the approaching winter storm, the Kitty Hawk Town Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, has been cancelled. The next Town Council meeting will take place Monday, March 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. (please note the time change).

The Kitty Hawk Recycle Center will be closed on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

For updates and closure announcements, please visit kittyhawknc.gov.

Town of Kill Devil Hills:

For updates or closure announcements, please visit the town’s website, www.kdhnc.com.

Town of Nags Head:

The Town of Nags Head’s bulk bulk/brush disposal yard will be closed on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The bathrooms at Dowdy Park, Town Park, and Whalebone Park will be closed through the weekend and possibly Monday, February 2, 2026 as well.

The Town of Nags Head would like to remind the community that blowing snow may create deep snow drifts. Please be aware of this if you have to move around AFTER the storm.

Town of Manteo:

For updates or closure announcements, please visit the town’s website, ManteoNC.gov.

National Park Service Closures & Cancellations

All National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial will remain closed through the morning of Monday, February 2, 2026.