Snow Arrives in North Carolina, Surprising Residents

Flurries spotted at Kerr Lake as winter weather hits the state

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Thousands of people have relocated to North Carolina in recent years, seeking to escape the snow and cold of their former homes. However, this winter has been a rude awakening for some, as the state has experienced significant snowfall and ice accumulation, catching many new residents off guard.

Why it matters

North Carolina is known for its mild winters, attracting many new residents from colder climates. This unexpected winter weather has disrupted the lives of these transplants, who are now having to adjust to dealing with snow and ice, something they thought they had left behind.

The details

Victoria Suda, who moved from Michigan to the Triangle area, was surprised by the snow and ice last week, with people from across the country reaching out to her about how to handle the conditions. Meanwhile, long-time North Carolina resident Lori Gottberg recalls her own adjustment to the state's winters after moving from New England, noting that this year there are no shorts in sight as residents bundle up in warm coats and sweaters.

  • This past weekend, snow and less ice arrived in North Carolina.
  • Last week, the state experienced significant ice accumulation, catching many new residents off guard.

The players

Victoria Suda

A resident who relocated from Michigan to the Triangle area of North Carolina.

Lori Gottberg

A long-time North Carolina resident who previously lived in New England.

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What they’re saying

“I had people from, like, Germany and like California and like Ohio message me and asked me what I was going to do. And so I was like, this must be a national story. So, I was a little more nervous.”

— Victoria Suda

“(I) spent most of the first half of my life in New England with a lot of snow, and I liked the first winter when we moved down here like this is great, you know, we could wear shorts.”

— Lori Gottberg

The takeaway

This unexpected winter weather in North Carolina serves as a reminder that even in traditionally mild climates, residents need to be prepared for the possibility of snow and ice. For new transplants, it's a lesson in adjusting to the realities of their new home state, which can be quite different from what they're used to.