State officials say a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain could disrupt daily life for North Carolinians this weekend into early next week.
North Carolinians could be facing dangerous travel conditions, power outages, and extreme cold this weekend as confidence grows that a significant winter storm will impact much of the state, according to the North Carolina Department of Labor.
Today, state emergency officials say the storm is expected to bring a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, with impacts potentially lingering into early next week due to “below-normal” and possibly “record-breaking temperatures for some areas Monday and/or Tuesday.”
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Although exact snowfall and ice totals remain uncertain, North Carolina Department of Emergency Management officials stress that now is the time to prepare, especially for the possibility of power outages during prolonged cold conditions.
Why this storm could disrupt daily life
According to NCDEM projections, the storm will cause moderate to major impacts to much of North Carolina, with the probability of moderate impacts ranging from 50% to 90% statewide. The likelihood of major impacts is highest in northern parts of the state, largely due to snow accumulation.
Temperatures are expected to drop sharply as Arctic air moves in late Friday. Forecasts show highs struggling to reach the upper 20s across the state on Saturday and Sunday, with eastern areas hovering in the low 30s. Overnight lows are expected to fall into the teens and low 20s, meaning any snow or ice that falls could linger for days on roads and power lines instead of melting.
Power outages are a key concern
The combination of freezing rain and sustained cold raises the risk of tree damage and downed power lines, which could lead to power outages. But utility crews are already preparing.
Duke Energy representatives told ABC11 that winter storms are notoriously difficult to forecast and that it takes as little as a quarter-inch of ice to bring down tree limbs and power lines. The company said crews are checking inventories and supplies ahead of the storm.
Gov. Josh Stein took to social media to urge residents to take preparation seriously early in the week.
“North Carolina, it’s still early in the week, but it looks like there will be winter weather coming our way,” he said on X. “We will have more info on the weather later in the week. The best thing you can do now is prepare, especially for potential power outages. Go ahead and get your stuff (batteries, food, drinks, etc.) now.”
Travel could become dangerous quickly
Road conditions may deteriorate rapidly once precipitation begins, especially if freezing rain develops, according to Emergency Management officials.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation told ABC 11 that it plans to begin “brining” major highways and roads ahead of the storm, but officials warn that freezing rain can still make roads impassable even when treated.
Additionally, they recommend avoiding travel if possible.
But for drivers who must be on the roads, they advise reducing speed, leaving extra distance between vehicles, and approaching bridges and overpasses with caution.
How to prepare before the storm hits
Preparing ahead of time can reduce risk if outages last multiple days.
Officials recommend:
- Charging phones and backup battery packs
- Stocking water and food that does not require cooking
- Keeping flashlights and extra batteries easily accessible
- Avoid parking vehicles under trees that could fail under ice
Drivers are encouraged to keep gas tanks full and carry emergency supplies including blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, a first aid kit, and ice scrapers.
What happens next
Forecasters say details about precipitation type and timing will continue to be refined over the next several days. Additional winter advisories or warnings are likely. For more updates, officials recommend visiting the ReadyNC website.
