Charlotte Endures Major Ice Storm As Power Fails

Charlotte and the greater Carolinas woke up to a shimmering, treacherous landscape on Sunday, January 25, 2026, as a major ice storm swept through the region, coating streets, power lines, and tree limbs with a thick layer of ice. By dawn, the city was blanketed under a wintry mix of freezing rain and sleet, leaving many residents grappling with power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and the looming threat of dangerously cold temperatures in the days ahead.

According to The Charlotte Ledger, precipitation began accumulating overnight, with most of the region forecasted to receive between 0.25 and 0.5 inches of ice. Though this was a slight downgrade from initial projections, the risk remained high enough to trigger widespread, long-lasting power outages. Early reports described major roads, such as Eastway Drive, as being coated in a slippery mix of snow and sleet, making even short trips perilous.

The National Weather Service (NWS) maintained an Ice Storm Warning for much of the region, effective until 1 p.m. on Monday, January 26. In its 4:51 a.m. update, the NWS warned that wintry precipitation rates would be highest early Sunday morning, with another round expected in the afternoon. The key concerns remained unchanged: significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs, which could lead to outages, and treacherous road conditions likely to persist into the early part of the week.

By Sunday morning, the impact was already being felt. As reported by The Charlotte Ledger, Duke Energy tracked just shy of 1,500 customers without power across the Carolinas, with 855 outages concentrated in the North Carolina mountains. Within Charlotte itself, approximately 300 customers were without electricity, the majority clustered in a neighborhood off Pineville-Matthews Road. The city’s first local power outage of the storm occurred on Linda Lake Drive in northeast Charlotte at 8:08 p.m. Saturday, and by Sunday morning, it was still affecting 21 customers.

Residents awoke to temperatures in the teens, with the NWS forecasting highs around 30°F for Sunday. The forecast called for freezing rain and sleet in the morning, shifting to freezing rain with patchy fog in the afternoon. Ice accumulation was expected to range from a quarter to nearly half an inch, with higher totals north and west of Charlotte—Shelby was projected to receive more than half an inch, Statesville 0.68 inches, and Clemmons 0.74 inches, as detailed in the Charlotte Observer.

Sunday night was expected to bring continued freezing rain, patchy fog, and lows in the upper 20s. The NWS warned that Monday would offer little respite, with the storm exiting but leaving behind mostly sunny skies and highs only in the upper 30s. By Monday night, a blast of arctic air was forecast to plunge temperatures to around 11°F, with wind chills making it feel closer to 7°F. The NWS cautioned that these “dangerously cold winds” could result in hypothermia or frostbite for those exposed to the elements, and might slow storm recovery efforts.

Local and state officials were quick to urge residents to stay off the roads throughout the weekend. According to WBTV, the biggest concern was not snow, but ice. Accumulations of up to half an inch or more were expected, with the possibility of even higher totals in some areas. The heavy ice buildup posed a significant risk for widespread power outages that could last for days, as weighed-down tree limbs and power lines snapped under the strain.

Throughout Sunday, the First Alert Weather team at WBTV tracked the storm’s progression in detail. The morning commute was described as the most dangerous time for travel, with moderate to heavy freezing rain and temperatures hovering around 20°F. Every drop of rain froze instantly on contact with roads, sidewalks, and power lines. Even as precipitation intensity lightened slightly around midday, the cold air mass ensured that nothing melted, and any ice already on the ground remained solid and slick.

By Sunday afternoon, temperatures edged up to between 25°F and 30°F, but the precipitation persisted. A lighter period of freezing rain was expected, but by 3 p.m., a new round of freezing rain was forecast to move in, keeping road conditions hazardous. In the evening, a second wave of heavier freezing rain was expected, with precipitation chances returning to 100% from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Temperatures during this period were predicted to reach 31°F by 6 p.m., still below freezing, ensuring that the ice would continue to accumulate.

Travel was strongly discouraged. Authorities and weather experts repeatedly advised residents to avoid venturing out unless absolutely necessary. “If you must travel Sunday, use extreme caution. Allow extra time, reduce your speed, and avoid bridges and overpasses where ice forms first,” warned WBTV. The risk of accidents and injuries was simply too high, with ice-covered roads described as nearly impassable in some areas.

Precautionary advice from WBTV and other local outlets included bringing pets indoors, charging devices in anticipation of power outages, having flashlights and warm clothing ready, and checking on elderly neighbors and family members. The community was encouraged to prepare for the possibility of extended outages and to have blankets and other means of staying warm at the ready.

The Charlotte Ledger’s live weather blog provided hour-by-hour updates, safety tips, and a forum for residents to share their experiences and questions. The Ledger’s editors, including Tony Mecia, Ashley Fahey, and Lindsey Banks, offered practical guidance—everything from safe use of gas appliances during power outages to lists of business closures, flight cancellations, and even streaming recommendations for those stuck at home. The blog also served as a space for the community to share photos and videos, helping to keep everyone informed and connected during the storm.

As the storm continued through Sunday and into Monday, the region braced for continued disruption. Even after the precipitation ended, the lingering ice and bitter cold promised to make recovery challenging. The NWS and local officials stressed the importance of caution, patience, and community support in the days ahead.

For Charlotte and the Carolinas, the January 2026 ice storm served as a stark reminder of winter’s power—and the resilience needed to weather its worst.