Severe Winter Storm Hits the Southeastern United States

A powerful winter storm, classified as a bomb cyclone, has significantly impacted the Southeastern United States, particularly North Carolina, as it developed over the weekend of January 31, 2026. This storm has brought blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and dangerously cold temperatures, affecting millions across the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the storm could produce record-breaking snowfall, with some areas in North Carolina expecting accumulations of 12 to 15 inches.

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The storm has resulted in hazardous travel conditions across all 100 counties in North Carolina. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency, emphasizing the need for residents to stay off the roads to allow emergency crews to work effectively. Reports indicate that Lexington received 16 inches of snow, while Charlotte recorded 11 inches, marking it as one of the city's most significant snow events in decades. The storm has caused over 1,000 traffic collisions, including a major pileup on Interstate 85 involving more than 100 vehicles.

'This is no joke': Stein urges people to stay off roads after historic snowstorm blankets NC

As the storm progressed, snow began to fall in various states, including Virginia and South Carolina, with reports of flurries reaching as far south as Florida. The NWS indicated that cold weather advisories were in effect for approximately 240 million people, with nearly 200,000 customers without power due to the storm's effects. Wind gusts of 25 to 70 miles per hour were reported, exacerbating the dangerous conditions.

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Governor Stein urged residents to prioritize safety, stating, “This is the kind of snowstorm that we don't get very often in North Carolina. Our key message today is to stay off the roads.” The North Carolina Department of Transportation deployed 2,500 workers to clear roads, but officials warned that the cleanup could take up to a week in some areas. Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson noted, “It will take days, even in the least impacted areas, to clear the roads.”

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Despite the state’s preparations, some residents expressed frustration over the lack of timely communication regarding road conditions and safety measures. Critics highlighted that the rapid intensification of the storm caught many off guard, leading to preventable accidents and power outages.

'This is no joke': Stein urges people to stay off roads after historic snowstorm blankets NC

While snowfall totals varied widely across the state, reports indicated that some areas received significantly more snow than initially forecasted. For instance, while the NWS predicted 8 to 12 inches for Charlotte, actual measurements reached 11 inches, with some regions reporting even higher totals. Additionally, discrepancies arose regarding the number of traffic incidents, with reports ranging from 750 to over 1,000 collisions.

Where does this weekend's snowstorm rank among Charlotte's biggest winter events in history?

In the aftermath of the storm, dangerously cold temperatures are expected to persist, with lows potentially dropping into the single digits across North Carolina. The NWS has warned of continued risks for frostbite and hypothermia for those exposed to the cold. As recovery efforts continue, officials are monitoring the situation closely, preparing for further impacts from the cold air mass following the storm.

Another winter storm targets NC. See timing, warnings, more