North Carolina Declares Emergency Ahead Of Major Storm

North Carolina is bracing for what forecasters and officials are calling a major winter storm, prompting Governor Josh Stein to declare a State of Emergency on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. With the storm expected to arrive early Saturday, January 24, and potentially linger through Monday, state leaders and emergency agencies are urging residents to take immediate steps to prepare for days of hazardous weather, including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and bitter cold temperatures.

"A winter storm is approaching, and now is the time to prepare," Governor Stein announced in a statement widely reported by outlets including WTVD and WLOS. "Please get ready. Get everything you need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case your power goes out. I encourage all North Carolinians to stay home and off the roads this weekend unless absolutely necessary so first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively."

The governor is set to hold a media briefing at 11:15 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, to provide updates on storm preparations. He will be joined by top state officials, including North Carolina Department of Public Safety Secretary Jeff Smythe, Department of Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson, Emergency Management Director Will Ray, State Highway Patrol Colonel Freddy Johnson, and Major General Todd Hunt of the National Guard, according to a release from Stein’s office cited by WLOS.

The State Emergency Response Team has already been activated ahead of the storm’s arrival. Will Ray, North Carolina Emergency Management Director, explained in a news release, "The State Emergency Response Team is working closely with local partners statewide – as well as with state agencies, the private sector, and nonprofit and volunteer agencies – to ensure that needed resources are provided to support impacted communities." Ray further urged, "Between now and Friday evening, North Carolinians need to finish preparations at home, and travel should be limited or paused, if possible, this weekend as conditions are expected to deteriorate across the state."

State transportation crews have been working around the clock to get ahead of the incoming weather. According to WTVD and WGHP, North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) teams and contractors have spent the past several days pre-treating roads, bridges, and overpasses with brine, restocking salt supplies, and ensuring snowplows and other equipment are ready for action. "From the mountains to the coast, our crews are already out brining roads and bridges ahead of the winter storm," said Secretary Johnson. "We’re asking everyone to do their part to prepare now and avoid travel once the storm hits so crews can safely clear the roads."

To further support emergency response, Governor Stein has waived certain transportation regulations for vehicles involved in emergency efforts. This measure is intended to improve coordination and allow faster movement of critical supplies and personnel across the state, as noted by WGHP.

The weather forecast is, frankly, daunting. Cold air is expected to push into the state on Friday, January 23, with lows dipping into the low to mid-30s and highs only reaching the mid-40s. Saturday morning will bring even colder conditions, with lows in the low to mid-20s and snow anticipated to begin in the afternoon—an 80% chance, according to WGHP. As the day progresses, warmer air aloft may cause the snow to change over to sleet and freezing rain, especially Saturday night into Sunday morning. Precipitation could be heavy at times, and temperatures may fall as low as 15 degrees. Sunday promises more of the same: a wintry mix of sleet and freezing rain, with highs only in the mid-to-upper-20s and a 90% chance of precipitation. By Sunday night into Monday morning, the system is expected to move out, but not before leaving potentially treacherous conditions in its wake.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for every county in the Charlotte region, effective from Saturday through Monday afternoon, as reported by WBTV. First Alert Weather Days have been declared for the entire weekend, highlighting the confidence meteorologists have in the storm’s high-impact potential. A mix of accumulating snow, sleet, and freezing rain could create hazardous travel conditions and raise the risk of widespread power outages. Below-freezing temperatures are expected throughout the weekend, and if enough warm air moves in above the surface, some areas might even see plain rain for a while. But for most, the threat is ice and snow—and the bitter cold that follows.

With the storm bearing down, North Carolina Emergency Management has offered a suite of preparedness tips. Residents are advised to pay close attention to local forecasts, keep cell phones and spare batteries charged, and use a NOAA weather radio or alert app to receive emergency notifications. People should dress warmly in layers, store emergency kits in their vehicles, and gather supplies for pets—including food, leashes, and carriers. It’s critical not to leave pets outside for long during freezing weather, and to check in on friends, neighbors, and the elderly.

If the power goes out, officials strongly advise that generators be operated only outside and well away from windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Charcoal and gas grills should never be used indoors, and kerosene heaters must be properly vented. For lighting, battery-powered sources are recommended over candles to reduce fire risk.

Another concern during emergencies is price gouging. Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced Wednesday that North Carolina’s price gouging law is now in effect due to the declared state of emergency. As Jackson stated, "When severe weather impacts our state, North Carolinians should be able to focus on their safety, not excessive price hikes." The law prohibits businesses and individuals from charging "unreasonably excessive" prices for goods or services during the crisis. While some adjustments may be made to account for higher operating costs, price increases must be clearly disclosed and cannot be used as an excuse to boost profits unfairly. Residents are encouraged to report suspected price gouging to the Department of Justice at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or online.

With all agencies on high alert, the message from state leaders is clear: preparation is essential, and unnecessary travel should be avoided. As Emergency Management Director Ray put it, "Travel should be limited or paused, if possible, this weekend as conditions are expected to deteriorate across the state." First responders and road crews need clear roads to do their jobs, and every North Carolinian can help by staying put and looking out for one another.

As North Carolina faces down a formidable winter storm, the coming days will test the state’s readiness and resilience. But with coordinated efforts, clear communication, and a spirit of community, residents are being given every tool and warning to weather the storm safely.