North Carolina Governor Provides Update After Historic Snowstorm

Gov. Josh Stein holds press conference following weekend blizzard that dumped over a foot of snow in some areas

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:31am

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North Carolina Governor Josh Stein held a press conference on Sunday, February 1st to provide updates on the significant winter storm that impacted the state over the previous weekend. The storm dropped up to 15 inches of snow in parts of the Charlotte region, leading to hazardous travel conditions and the suspension of all public transportation in the city.

Why it matters

This historic snowstorm has caused major disruptions across North Carolina, with dangerous road conditions, power outages, and significant impacts to transportation and infrastructure. The governor's update is crucial to informing the public on the state's response efforts and plans for recovery in the days ahead.

The details

The heavy snowfall on Saturday, January 31st left primary roads compacted with snow and ice, making them very difficult to drive on. Secondary and residential streets were even worse, with inches of unplowed snow. In some areas, a layer of leftover ice from the previous weekend's storm was beneath the new snow, leading to extremely slick conditions. Emergency crews responded to numerous stranded drivers and weather-related crashes throughout the region. Crews worked to plow roads and apply salt and brine, but the frigid temperatures on Sunday morning limited the effectiveness of these treatments.

  • The snowstorm hit the Charlotte region on Saturday, January 31st, dropping 8-15 inches of snow.
  • Gov. Josh Stein held a press conference at 11 a.m. on Sunday, February 1st to provide updates on the storm.

The players

Josh Stein

The Governor of North Carolina who held a press conference to provide updates on the historic snowstorm.

Eric Garlick

A meteorologist who explained that the cold temperatures on Sunday morning limited the effectiveness of salt and brine treatments on the roads.

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What they’re saying

“Salt 'doesn't really work' when it's this cold, meteorologist Eric Garlick said at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday. The salt isn't really efficient when air temperatures are below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, as they were for many areas early Sunday.”

— Eric Garlick, Meteorologist

What’s next

Crews will continue working to clear and treat the roads, and the governor is expected to provide further updates as the recovery efforts progress. The public is urged to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

The takeaway

This historic snowstorm has caused widespread disruption across North Carolina, highlighting the importance of emergency preparedness and the need for effective infrastructure to withstand severe winter weather. The governor's updates will be crucial in guiding the state's response and recovery efforts in the days ahead.