Historic Winter Storm Gianna Hits the Carolinas

A powerful winter storm, dubbed Winter Storm Gianna, has brought unprecedented snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures to the Carolinas, marking one of the most significant winter weather events in recent history. The storm began on January 31, 2026, and has resulted in record-breaking snow totals across North Carolina and parts of South Carolina. Charlotte, for instance, recorded 11 inches of snow, tying for the fourth-highest single-day snowfall in the city's history. Other areas, such as Faust, reported up to 22.5 inches, while Wilmington experienced its largest snowfall in nearly 40 years with 5.8 inches.

Another major winter storm, with possible blizzard conditions, pushes into the SoutheastHistoric snowstorm from bomb cyclone buries CarolinasHow much snow fell in the Charlotte area on Saturday?Photos show bomb cyclone snow storm in CarolinasHistoric storm: Parts of NC coast get 15 inches of snowWhere does this weekend's snowstorm rank among Charlotte's biggest winter events in history?How much snow? Bomb cyclone in weekend forecast on East Coast.US East Coast bomb cyclone could bring heaviest snow in decades to North Carolina

The storm has severely impacted travel, leading to over 750 traffic collisions across North Carolina, including a major pileup involving more than 100 vehicles on Interstate 85. State officials have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, emphasizing the hazardous road conditions caused by heavy snow and ice. 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.

'This is no joke': Stein urges people to stay off roads after historic snowstorm blankets NCI-85 north of Charlotte reopens after 100+ vehicles stuck from collision and snowBomb cyclone brings blizzard to Carolinas, frigid temps across East CoastCarolinas Battered by Blizzard Conditions, Thousands Still Without Power2 dead amid winter storm that brought record-setting snow and freezing temperatures to the SouthHistoric snowstorm from bomb cyclone buries CarolinasNor’easter slams Carolinas, Virginia with snow as blizzard conditions, vicious winds loom as storm intensifiesUS East Coast bomb cyclone could bring heaviest snow in decades to North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay off the roads to allow emergency services to operate effectively. "This is the kind of snowstorm that we don't get very often in North Carolina," Stein stated. The National Guard has been mobilized to assist with road clearing and emergency response efforts. In South Carolina, officials also warned of dangerous conditions, with Myrtle Beach expecting up to 8 inches of snow despite lacking snow removal equipment.

2 dead amid winter storm that brought record-setting snow and freezing temperatures to the South

Critics have raised concerns about the preparedness of local infrastructure to handle such extreme weather events. Many residents in Tennessee and Mississippi remain without power following a previous storm, compounding the challenges posed by Gianna. Reports indicate that over 197,000 customers were without electricity, primarily due to the ongoing severe weather conditions.

Powerful storm threatens an East Coast still buried under last week's snow

The storm's impact extends beyond immediate snowfall, with temperatures expected to plummet into the single digits across the region. The National Weather Service has warned of frostbite and hypothermia risks, particularly for those without adequate heating. The storm has also led to fatalities, with at least 81 deaths reported across multiple states due to weather-related incidents.

How much snow? Bomb cyclone in weekend forecast on East Coast.

As the storm moves out to sea, residents are bracing for continued cold temperatures and potential black ice in the following days. The National Weather Service has advised that conditions will remain hazardous, and further snow is possible in some areas. The aftermath of Winter Storm Gianna will likely lead to ongoing discussions about infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness in the face of increasingly severe weather patterns.

How much snow? Bomb cyclone in weekend forecast on East Coast.Blizzard with ‘life-threatening conditions’ possible for NC Outer BanksSnow and blizzards move into US east coast as 85 dead from last week’s stormAnother major winter storm, with possible blizzard conditions, pushes into the SoutheastPowerful storm threatens an East Coast still buried under last week's snowPhotos show bomb cyclone snow storm in CarolinasHistoric snowstorm from bomb cyclone buries CarolinasUS East Coast bomb cyclone could bring heaviest snow in decades to North CarolinaLIVE UPDATES: Winter Storm Gianna Latest News As The System Bombs Out

• “This has truly been a historic storm that will be talked about for decades to come,” — National Weather Service in Wilmington, N.C.

A ‘Historic’ Snowfall Hits the Carolinas

• “Please be patient and please stay off the roads unless it’s absolutely necessary,” — North Carolina Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson

2 dead amid winter storm that brought record-setting snow and freezing temperatures to the South

• “This is no joke,” — Governor Josh Stein on the severity of the storm.

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