Winter Storm -- January 22, 2026: Western North Carolina residents are bracing for potential power outages and hazardous travel conditions as a major winter storm approaches the region. Experts are warning of significant ice accumulation, which could lead to downed trees and dangerous road conditions.
Winter Storm Watch
A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Western North Carolina from 7 a.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Monday. Forecasts predict 1-6 inches of snow and sleet, along with 0.4-1 inch of ice accumulation. The National Weather Service warns that ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs could cause widespread power outages, potentially lasting for days due to subfreezing temperatures. Snow and sleet are expected to be heaviest north of I-40, while the southern WNC mountains are expected to experience the heaviest ice accumulation.
Precipitation may begin Friday night or early Saturday as snow over the mountains, transitioning to sleet and freezing rain east of the mountains. The wintry weather is expected to persist through Sunday or Monday. A large storm system affecting over 200 million people from Texas to the Carolinas will lock Arctic air against the Appalachians, worsening refreezing and creating travel chaos.
State of Emergency
Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency Wednesday to coordinate resources. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has pre-treated roads with brine and has salt supplies available.
Anticipated Impacts
Power Outages: The heavy ice accretion (up to an inch) is the primary concern, as it is likely to snap tree limbs and down power lines.
Dangerous Travel: Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly early Saturday morning. Bridges and overpasses will likely freeze first.
Extreme Cold: Following the storm, a record-breaking Arctic air mass is expected to settle in, with temperatures dropping into the single digits. This will likely cause any ice and snowpack to remain on the ground well into next week, making clearing efforts difficult.
Preparation Advised
Residents are advised to prepare emergency kits that include batteries, food, water, prescriptions, blankets, and charging devices. Travel is not advised this weekend. Road conditions could remain hazardous into Monday's commute. Areas such as Winston-Salem could see over a foot of snow. Residents should monitor updates from the National Weather Service for changes in snow and ice lines.
The approaching winter storm poses a significant threat to Western North Carolina, with the potential for widespread power outages and dangerous travel conditions. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed about weather updates.
State and Local Response
NCDOT: Brining operations began mid-week on major highways and bridges. However, officials have warned that because temperatures are expected to drop below 20°F, salt may become less effective at melting ice, leading to prolonged road closures.
Emergency Services: Local counties (including Haywood and Buncombe) and utility providers like Duke Energy are on high alert, with extra crews staged to handle outages.
Resident Guidance
Officials are strongly advising that all residents complete their storm preparations—including stocking up on 3 to 7 days of food, water, and medications—by Friday evening. The general recommendation is to stay off the roads entirely from Saturday through the weekend.
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