Major Ice Storm To Hit North Carolina And Virginia

Forecasts across North Carolina and Virginia are converging on a rare and potentially crippling winter storm set to strike the region beginning late Saturday, January 24, 2026, and lasting into early next week. Meteorologists from multiple outlets warn that this storm could be the most impactful in more than a decade, with the greatest threats coming not from snow, but from a dangerous combination of sleet and, especially, freezing rain.

According to StormTrack 12 and a suite of national and local weather services, confidence in a high-impact winter event has grown steadily as updated model data pours in. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Blacksburg, Virginia, has issued a winter storm watch effective from 7 a.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday, covering Ashe, Alleghany, Surry, Stokes, Rockingham, Caswell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties. Simultaneously, Winter Storm Watches now blanket all of the Central Carolinas, with alerts stretching from the North Carolina mountains to the Piedmont Triad and eastward toward the coast.

The storm’s timeline is coming into focus: Friday, January 23, will see mostly cloudy skies and mild temperatures in the upper 40s to mid-50s, with only isolated showers expected. But by Friday night, an arctic front will surge south, ushering in the coldest air of the season just as a complex low-pressure system approaches from Texas. This classic cold air damming setup, as described by Pinpoint Weather and WXII12, is notorious for trapping cold air at the surface while warmer air rides above—prime conditions for freezing rain and sleet.

Wintry precipitation is expected to begin Saturday afternoon, with brief snow possible, especially north of I-40 and Highway 64. However, meteorologists emphasize that the main event will be a prolonged period of sleet and freezing rain, lasting through Saturday night and much of Sunday. "High totals of frozen precip—likely sleet, freezing rain—are expected to be the predominant types," a WXII12 meteorologist explained. The chances for accumulating snow are limited, with the focus shifting to ice as the dominant hazard.

Areas north of Highway 64 could see some snow at the onset, but as the storm intensifies, warmer air aloft is expected to transition precipitation to sleet and freezing rain across much of central and eastern North Carolina. Near and east of Highway 17, especially closer to the coast, some periods of plain rain are possible as ocean air nudges temperatures just above freezing. Still, even Wilmington, according to the National Weather Service and local reporting, faces a high risk for accumulating freezing rain and sleet starting Saturday and lasting through Sunday. "Accumulating freezing rain and sleet is expected to begin Saturday and last through Sunday," the NWS in Wilmington stated, cautioning that "power outages and impacts to travel are possible. Dangerously cold temperatures or wind chill values are possible Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights."

The severity of the ice threat cannot be overstated. Freezing rain, more so than snow, poses a unique danger in the South, where infrastructure and resources for winter weather—like plows and salt trucks—are limited. AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter warned, "Power outages could last up to a week or longer in areas hit hardest by the ice storm. Extended power outages in freezing conditions can be very dangerous." The weight of ice on tree limbs and power lines could cause widespread outages, and travel may become "very difficult to impossible," according to the NWS. Residents are strongly urged to avoid travel throughout the weekend and possibly into Monday, as temperatures are expected to remain below freezing, preventing rapid melting and raising the specter of black ice even after precipitation ends.

Historical context underscores the seriousness of the situation. The last time the Piedmont Triad region saw over an inch of ice accumulation was in 2002, and meteorologists are drawing comparisons to that event in terms of potential impact. "This certainly could have a huge impact for travel and for power outages. For more on that, let’s bring in meteorologist Dylan Hudler. Dylan, this is not a storm I’m looking forward to. This is going to be very messy and very impactful for our area," said a WXII12 forecaster during a Wednesday broadcast. Hudler agreed, noting that while snow can be fun and relatively harmless, "ice, especially in this magnitude, is concerning."

Forecast details remain subject to change as the upper-level pattern evolves, but the general consensus is clear: the most significant impacts will be from ice, not snow. Accumulations of sleet and freezing rain could be substantial enough to bring down trees and power lines, littering roadways with debris and leaving some communities in the dark for days. The coldest air of the season will move in behind the storm, with nighttime lows plunging into the 20s and daytime highs struggling to reach the upper 30s or low 40s through early next week. This persistent cold will likely keep any ice or snow in place, prolonging hazardous conditions.

Given the looming threat, officials and meteorologists are urging residents to prepare now. The NWS advises assembling a winter storm kit, including tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, a shovel, blankets, extra clothing, water, a first aid kit, and high-calorie non-perishable food. If travel is absolutely necessary, drivers should slow down, keep the gas tank at least half full, and inform friends or family of their route and expected arrival time. In the event of becoming stranded, experts recommend staying with your vehicle, using hazard lights, and making yourself visible to rescuers.

Homeowners are also encouraged to take precautions: allow faucets to drip to prevent frozen pipes, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around plumbing, and check heating systems and supplies. Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and charged battery packs for cell phones are recommended, as power outages could be prolonged. "People in the path of this storm should prepare to hunker down for the weekend. Emergency supplies should include food that does not require cooking, bottled water, extra blankets, medicine, and battery packs to keep cell phones charged," Porter advised.

While some uncertainty remains regarding the exact mix and timing of precipitation, the message from meteorologists is unified: this is not a typical Southern winter storm. The potential for significant, damaging ice is high, and the window for preparation is closing fast. Residents across North Carolina and Virginia should monitor local forecasts closely and take action now to ensure safety for themselves and their families as the region braces for a winter blast not seen in years.

With the storm’s arrival imminent, the next few days will be critical for final preparations. The hope is that with ample warning and prudent action, communities can weather what may prove to be a historic winter event as safely as possible.