It’s been seven years since a severe blizzard struck Wilmington, N.C. According to the National Weather Service, the last time it snowed more than half an inch was in Jan. 2018. Many members of the New Hanover County community were shocked to see the Winter Storm Watch issued by the National Weather Service for Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.
The University of North Carolina-Wilmington canceled all classes scheduled for Tuesday afternoon and all-day Wednesday, in response to the National Weather Service announcement. UNCW sophomore from Rocky Hill, N.C., Grace Barnes stated, “I honestly didn’t believe it because we live near the beach… but I was happy to know UNCW is keeping a close eye on keeping their students safe.”
Despite living in a town known for beach days and tanning sessions, a blizzard struck Wilmington, accumulating roughly two-to-six inches of snow — depending on the part of the Cape Fear region —on Tuesday evening, stretching into early Wednesday morning, according to Wilmington Star-News.
“Since I’m originally from New York, snow and bad weather don’t usually scare me,” UNCW Respiratory Therapy student Victoria Castro shared when asked about any fears she may have regarding the storm. “Although, I do take precautions like getting groceries and not driving if I don’t have to… this helps me feel prepared!”
Although born in New York, Castro and her family eventually moved to Charlotte, N.C. ”After living in North Carolina for about ten years,” she continued, “my dad taught me how to drive in all types of [weather] conditions, so I’m prepared!”
Buying groceries ahead of time, staying off the roads and dressing warm are all crucial preparations and precautions to take when it snows, especially in areas where snowfall is rare.
As this winter storm hit the New Hanover County community, many students found themselves excited to witness a snowstorm. According to the university’s website, UNCW’s current freshman undergraduate student population contains 87% in-state students. This meaning, that a majority of UNCW’s student population could be unfamiliar with this weather because N.C. is not frequently akin to winter storms.
While being prepared and cautious during extreme winter weather is essential for safety purposes, enjoying nature’s beauty is also an important aspect of snow days! Curling up in bed with a cup of hot chocolate, having a snowball fight or even just standing outside taking in the scenic view of snow flurries falling to the ground are just a few activities that students across the Wilmington community had the opportunity to partake in on this snowy night.
Peyton Robertson, ultrasound therapy and cosmetology student at Cape Fear Community College had a heartwarming experience in the snow with her roommates and their furry friend. “I really enjoyed playing in the snow with my dog. This was her first snow, and she loved it so much!” Robertson shared. “When it first started snowing, we did not think the snow would stick to the ground, but we were all really surprised in the morning when there was so much snow to play in.”
UNCW Sports Management and Communications student, Holly Still, had innovative fun in the snow on Wednesday afternoon. “We went sledding on a boogie board down an exit of Market Street… it was really fun… there were a lot of students and families out there with sleds, trashcan lids, snowboards and surfboards!”
From the night the snow struck and through all of Wednesday, several social media platforms of students in Wilmington, were overtaken with photos and videos of students in the snow, on and around the UNCW campus.
“A lot of people were posting about the snow on their Instagram and Snapchat stories,” Amanda Metzger, a psychology student at UNCW asserted. “It was so heartwarming watching everyone go outside and have fun and just come together to take advantage of this atypical weather.”
Social media has a reputation for bringing negativity and harm to college students, but beautiful posts of snowfall flooding young adults’ phones, brought feelings of community and enjoyment to Wilmington students’ online community.
Many students from UNCW and Cape Fear embraced the unexpected snowfall, by preparing and taking measures to avoid danger. Although safety is the most relevant concern when it comes to winter storms, joyful moments were shared, and memorable experiences were made. Though winter storms can cause disruption and danger, this one brought a multitude of students together in Wilmington’s physical and online community.
