Snow, Ice Blanket Central North Carolina as Bomb Cyclone Hits

Flights canceled, travel dangerous as winter storm brings heavy snow, high winds, and extreme cold

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:39pm

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A powerful winter storm known as a 'bomb cyclone' is hitting central North Carolina, bringing heavy snow, hurricane-force winds, and dangerously cold temperatures. Over 1,500 flights have been canceled nationwide, with 135 cancellations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport as of Saturday morning. Local and state officials have declared states of emergency, and crews are working around the clock to treat roads and assist residents. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for potential power outages and hazardous conditions.

Why it matters

This winter storm is the second to hit the region in as many weeks, underscoring the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The storm's impacts on transportation, businesses, and daily life highlight the need for robust emergency preparedness and response efforts, as well as long-term strategies to address the challenges posed by climate change.

The details

The storm formed near the North Carolina coast late Friday and rapidly intensified, a process known as bombogenesis. This has allowed the storm to draw very cold air southward, resulting in heavy snowfall across areas that don't often see significant winter weather. Forecasters have adjusted snow total estimates, but uncertainty remains due to the potential for a dry slot and localized heavy bands. Strong winds of 25 to 35+ mph are expected, which could result in low visibility and minor power outages. Extreme cold temperatures are also a concern, with wind chills potentially dropping to 0 to -5 degrees Fahrenheit on Saturday night into Sunday.

  • The storm began impacting the region late Friday into Saturday.
  • Snow is expected to intensify through the morning and afternoon on Saturday, with blowing snow concerns as the system moves through.
  • Snowfall will taper off overnight from west to east, ending before sunrise on Sunday.
  • Strong winds will develop this afternoon into early tonight as a coastal low deepens offshore.
  • Extreme cold temperatures are a concern with wind chills Saturday night into Sunday potentially dropping to 0 to -5 degrees.

The players

Mitch Colvin

The mayor of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who declared a state of emergency on Friday in preparation for the winter storm.

Amanda Scheck

The emergency management coordinator for Cumberland County, North Carolina, who is reminding residents to remain prepared for potential power outages and impassable roads.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)

The airport that has seen 135 flight cancellations as of Saturday morning due to the winter storm.

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What they’re saying

“We want to make sure that everybody has an emergency preparedness kit. That includes food and water for at least three days, a crank radio in the event of a power outage, blankets, pet supplies, medications, and things of that nature. But also make sure that your house is equipped.”

— Amanda Scheck, Emergency Management Coordinator, Cumberland County

“We were blessed last weekend, I considered it like a test run. But we need to do the same things. We need to have the same common-sense approaches. Charging batteries, charging your cell phones, make sure you have flashlights, make sure you have food and water for at least two to three days in case there's a power outage or the streets are not passable and businesses are not open.”

— Mitch Colvin, Mayor of Fayetteville

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 winter storm highlights the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events, underscoring the need for robust emergency preparedness and response efforts, as well as long-term strategies to address the impacts of climate change on communities across North Carolina.