Second Winter Storm in a Week Brings Snow to North Carolina

Bomb cyclone intensifies, drawing cold air southward and increasing winds along the coast

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:39pm

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A second winter storm, known as a bomb cyclone, is hitting parts of central North Carolina for the second consecutive weekend. The storm is expected to bring more snow than ice to the region, with the potential for heavy snowfall at times. Several weather alerts are in effect, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol is pleading with people to stay off the roads due to the hazardous conditions.

Why it matters

This storm is the second winter weather event to hit the region in a week, causing significant disruptions to businesses, schools, and transportation. The storm's rapid intensification, known as bombogenesis, is drawing very cold air southward and increasing winds, particularly along the coast, creating the potential for blizzard conditions.

The details

The storm formed near the North Carolina coast late Friday before rapidly strengthening as it moves north Saturday. As the bomb cyclone intensifies, it will draw very cold air southward, allowing snow to fall across areas that don't often see significant winter weather. This will also increase its winds, particularly along the coast. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has been busy preparing for and responding to the storm, with over 5,500 tons of salt applied to roads by early Saturday morning.

  • The storm began impacting the region late Friday into Saturday.
  • The storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and hurricane-force wind gusts by Saturday night.
  • Due to the icy conditions and prolonged below-freezing temperatures, Wayne County Public Schools will be closed for students and staff on Monday, February 2.

The players

North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP)

The state law enforcement agency that has responded to over 300 collisions between 12 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Saturday and is pleading with people to stay off the roads.

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining and clearing roads, with crews actively clearing roads in the western part of the state and on standby in the east, awaiting further accumulation.

Daniel Johnson

The State Transportation Secretary, who advised against traveling in the weather conditions and urged people to stay off the roads if possible.

Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS)

The school district that will be closed for students and staff on Monday, February 2, due to the icy conditions and prolonged below-freezing temperatures.

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What they’re saying

“Crews are actively clearing roads in the western part of the state, while others are on standby in the east, awaiting further accumulation. We strongly advise against traveling in these weather conditions. Stay off the roads if you can.”

— Daniel Johnson, State Transportation Secretary

“We have already responded to over 300 collisions between 12 a.m. - 12 p.m. Saturday.”

— North Carolina State Highway Patrol

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 second winter storm in a week highlights the challenges faced by communities in North Carolina when dealing with severe winter weather, including the disruptions to businesses, schools, and transportation, as well as the importance of public safety agencies working to keep residents safe during these conditions.