Summary (tl;dr)

A major winter storm featuring a dangerous mix of snow, sleet, and significant freezing rain is currently impacting or is expected to severely impact North Carolina, particularly the Charlotte metropolitan area, over the weekend, prompting widespread warnings and emergency declarations.

Essential Background

Prior to the storm's arrival, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on January 21, 2026, in anticipation of significant impacts from the approaching winter weather. Forecasts warned of a dangerous mix of precipitation, including freezing rain and sleet, which posed a substantial risk for ice accumulation and associated hazards. State officials urged residents to prepare for potential power outages and hazardous travel conditions, drawing comparisons to a widespread power outage event in December 2022.

The Full Story

A "monster" winter storm is currently bringing, or is forecasted to bring, a significant wintry mix of snow, sleet, and especially freezing rain to North Carolina, with the Charlotte area being a focal point of concern. The heaviest precipitation, including potentially impactful ice accumulations of up to 2 inches in some western areas, is expected from Saturday evening, January 24, through Sunday, January 25. Western North Carolina is under an Ice Storm Warning, while central areas like Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheboro are under a Winter Storm Warning. The broader Charlotte metropolitan area, including Mecklenburg and surrounding counties, is currently under a Winter Storm Watch, with an upgrade to a warning anticipated as the storm progresses. The storm is also affecting other parts of the US, with at least 16 states declaring emergencies, indicating a widespread and severe weather event. Residents are actively searching for live weather updates, radar information, and local forecasts to track the storm's progression and potential severity.

Why It Matters

This winter storm matters due to the significant threat of widespread power outages caused by ice accumulation on trees and power lines, particularly in areas accustomed to milder winters. Extremely cold temperatures, with single-digit lows expected, will exacerbate conditions and increase the risk of hypothermia for those without heat. Travel is expected to become extremely dangerous or impossible due to icy roads, leading to disruptions in daily life, potential school and business closures, and challenges for emergency services. Concerns are also high regarding the capacity of utilities like Duke Energy to handle increased demand and prevent a repeat of past widespread blackouts. The extensive geographic scope of this storm, impacting half of the US, underscores the broader implications for transportation, supply chains, and emergency response nationwide.

Geographic Location

• Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States (expected major impact from winter storm, under Winter Storm Watch)
• Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, United States (under Winter Storm Watch for significant wintry mix)
• Western North Carolina, United States (under National Weather Service Ice Storm Warning, up to 2 inches of ice accumulation expected)
• Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina, United States (under Winter Storm Warning for ice, freezing rain, and snow mix)
• Greensboro, Guilford County, North Carolina, United States (under Winter Storm Warning for ice, freezing rain, and snow mix)
• Asheboro, Randolph County, North Carolina, United States (under Winter Storm Warning for ice, freezing rain, and snow mix)
• Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, United States (concerns about potential power outages, state capital where Governor declared emergency)
• North Carolina, United States (state of emergency declared statewide due to anticipated significant impacts)