A brewing storm is on the horizon! An ice storm is expected to create significant challenges for travel and power in North Carolina this weekend, prompting widespread preparations across various sectors, including schools and local governments.
Posted on January 24, 2026, at 1:18 PM, with updates following throughout the day.
Current Situation on the Ice Storm in North Carolina
As we brace ourselves for the ice storm forecasted for January 24-25, officials are focusing on the potential hazards that could arise, particularly in central North Carolina. The storm is anticipated to bring not only hazardous road conditions but also widespread power outages, leading to major concerns for residents.
For those interested in sharing weather-related images or seeking more information, resources are readily available, including the WRAL Weather app for real-time updates and safety precautions to prepare for possible power outages and vehicle readiness.
Key Updates:
- Operational Changes: NC State University has announced the cancellation of classes for Monday, and several churches have opted to cancel their Sunday services due to the impending weather. For a comprehensive list of closures affecting schools, businesses, and religious institutions, you can track updates through WRAL’s dedicated section.
- State Emergency Declaration: Governor Josh Stein has officially declared a state of emergency for the entire state of North Carolina. Local governments, along with the state's Department of Transportation, are mobilizing crews and equipment to respond to the storm, focusing on clearing downed trees and treating icy roads in preparation for the worst-case scenario.
Latest Developments as of January 24:
Stay informed with the latest updates on weather conditions, road status, accidents, school closures, and ice accumulation forecasts as freezing rain begins to impact our area later today.
11:45 AM Update: Governor Stein reassured residents that while the state is ready to handle the immediate effects of the ice storm, he cautioned that the lingering cold after the storm could lead to hazardous conditions. "Areas that remain shaded, such as overpasses, often stay icy longer than expected," he warned.
11:30 AM Update: A group of monks who were scheduled to hold an outdoor peace talk in Raleigh have decided to cancel their event due to the adverse weather conditions. They still invite the public to join them for a walk starting at 2 PM from Greg Poole Jr. All Faiths Chapel toward the State Capitol, culminating in a peace gathering at 3:30 PM.
10:30 AM Update: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has reported 61 flight cancellations along with some delays. Stephanie Hawko, a spokesperson for RDU, emphasized the importance of checking flight statuses before heading to the airport. Both Southwest and United Airlines have announced a halt in flights starting Saturday afternoon and will not operate on Sunday. RDU aims to keep at least one commercial runway operational, alternating between runways for cleaning purposes.
9:30 AM Update: The current temperature in the Triangle region is 24 degrees, feeling like 10 with wind chill. Meteorologist Chris Michaels advised everyone to make it home by late afternoon, as road conditions are expected to worsen after sunset. He noted that while snowfall accumulation might be minimal, any precipitation that does fall will likely stick.
9 AM Update: Snow has already started falling in areas like Beech Mountain, and while the Triangle won’t see winter weather until later today, most of the region is under a winter storm warning. A winter weather advisory extends into the Sandhills where power outages may be less severe. The northern and western parts of the Triangle could experience over half an inch of ice, with some regions near the Virginia border potentially seeing up to an inch.
Expect School Closures and Delays:
As the storm progresses, any changes to service schedules for schools or churches will be communicated through WRAL on television and online. For instance, Wake County Public School System has a teacher workday scheduled for January 26, affecting students differently based on their academic tracks. Other districts, including Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, are also slated to observe teacher workdays.
In conclusion, as we navigate the preparations for this ice storm, we must remain vigilant about safety and be ready for possible disruptions. How do you plan to cope with the upcoming weather challenges? Are you adequately prepared for potential power outages? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments!
