Winter Storm Brings More Snow Than Ice to Central NC

North Carolina under state of emergency as Triangle braces for second winter storm in as many weeks

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A winter storm is expected to hit central North Carolina this weekend, bringing more snow than ice. The storm is expected to bring 4 to 7 inches of snow widely, with a chance of 6 to 10 inches in some areas. North Carolina is under a state of emergency as the Triangle prepares for the second winter storm in as many weeks. Schools in the area will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday due to lingering ice from the previous storm.

Why it matters

The winter storm comes on the heels of last week's storm that blanketed the area with ice, causing school closures and hurting local businesses that had to close early or couldn't open at all. The state is bracing for potentially greater impacts along the coast from this weekend's storm, including concerns about over-wash from tides on the Outer Banks.

The details

The storm is expected to bring a coastal low that will form off the Carolinas. The location where the low develops, its intensification rate, and the trough's progression will determine snowfall amounts across the Triangle. NCDOT crews are already brining roads across North Carolina ahead of the expected snowfall. Officials say they are well-equipped with resources, having spread over 800,000 gallons of brine across the state last week.

  • The storm is expected to hit central North Carolina this weekend.
  • The Wake County Public School System announced on Thursday afternoon that all schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday.

The players

Josh Stein

The governor of North Carolina who made a stop in Raleigh at an NCDOT facility on Thursday with other state officials to discuss storm preparations.

Kim Deaner

The communications officer at the North Carolina Department of Transportation who said the department is well-equipped with resources to handle the storm.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's better to not be on the roads if you possibly cannot be. If you have to be on the roads, give a lot of distance to the car in front of you, go slower. We want people to be safe.”

— Josh Stein, Governor of North Carolina

“We always prepare within our own division to handle whatever Mother Nature brings and we always have enough salt in storage for more than two storms. So, we're good to go on what we need for resources.”

— Kim Deaner, Communications Officer, North Carolina Department of Transportation

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.