Photo by Ken Buckner – Buy his prints here!
Here’s a Throw Back for you… this month’s snowstorm was not the record.
It was dubbed the ‘Snowstorm of the Century’ and it happened in early March of 1980. During the afternoon and evening of March 2, 1980, North Carolina experienced a major winter storm. Heavy snow and blustery conditions combined to reach almost blizzard conditions. The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm that contains large amounts of snow or blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 MPH and visibility down to less than a quarter of a mile for at least 3 hours.
In 2026, Sunset Beach experienced significant snowfall, with reports indicating totals of over 5 inches during a historic storm. In contrast, the last major snowfall event in 1980 saw even higher accumulations, with some areas in North Carolina receiving over a foot of snow.
Snowfall Comparison: Sunset Beach, NC
Recent Snowfall (2026)
- Date: January 31 – February 1, 2026
- Total Snowfall: Approximately 5.8 inches reported in Wilmington, with Sunset Beach receiving similar amounts.
- Significance: This event marked the biggest snowfall in almost 40 years for the region.
Historical Snowfall (1980)
- Date: March 1980
- Total Snowfall: Over 12 inches reported in some areas of eastern North Carolina.
- Significance: This storm was one of the most significant winter weather events in the region’s history.
Summary of Differences
| Year | Location | Snowfall Amount | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Eastern NC | Over 12 inches | Major winter storm, significant impact |
| 2026 | Sunset Beach | 5-8 inches | Historic for recent years, but less than 1980 |
