Charlotte, NC, January 25, 2026
A significant winter storm brought a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and snow to Charlotte and the Carolinas, leading to hazardous travel, flight cancellations, and power outage threats. The storm began on Saturday and intensified overnight, prompting emergency declarations and widespread disruptions. Schools and public services faced cancellations, while utility companies mobilized to address potential outages.
Charlotte, NC – A significant winter storm brought a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and some snow to the Charlotte area and the wider Carolinas from Saturday afternoon, January 24, through Sunday, January 25, 2026, causing widespread disruptions. The storm led to extensive flight cancellations, hazardous travel conditions, and the threat of widespread power outages due to significant ice accumulation.
Wintry Mix Impacts Charlotte Area
The winter storm, which began impacting the region on Saturday afternoon, January 24, intensified overnight and continued through most of Sunday, January 25. Light sleet mixed with rain initially moved into the Charlotte area on Saturday afternoon, with heavier sleet batches expected between 8 p.m. and midnight that day. Freezing rain and freezing drizzle were ongoing across much of the area by early Sunday, January 25, with icy road conditions rapidly developing. Forecasters from the National Weather Service (NWS) warned that freezing rain was forecast to persist through Sunday and potentially into Monday morning, January 26.
Travel conditions deteriorated quickly Saturday evening as wintry precipitation spread eastward, making roads and other surfaces increasingly icy. The National Weather Service issued an Ice Storm Warning for the entire Charlotte area through Monday, January 26, the first such warning for the Charlotte metro since 2005. This warning covered numerous counties including Alexander, Anson, Ashe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Chester, Chesterfield, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lancaster, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Richmond, Rowan, Stanly, Union, Watauga, and York.
Accumulation and Outage Concerns
Forecasts indicated that Charlotte could experience up to a half-inch of ice accumulation, while areas to the north and west, such as Lake Norman, Lincolnton, Hickory, Kannapolis, and Salisbury, might see up to three-quarters of an inch of ice. Total snow and sleet accumulations were expected to range from 1 to 3 inches in some parts of the wider region. The significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs was a major concern, potentially leading to widespread and long-lasting power outages. Gusty winds, reaching 20 to 35 mph, were also expected to exacerbate these risks.
As of 12 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, nearly 1,100 flights into and out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport were cancelled, with American Airlines and its subsidiaries, PSA and Piedmont, accounting for a large portion of these disruptions. Airport officials stated that Charlotte Douglas would remain operational, but travelers should anticipate significant impacts across the network.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
In response to the severe weather threat, states of emergency were declared for Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County, and Lincoln County, as well as statewide for North Carolina and South Carolina. These declarations allowed for increased public safety staffing and banned price increases on essential goods and services. The White House also approved federal emergency declarations for both North Carolina and South Carolina, providing access to federal disaster assistance.
Warming shelters were opened for residents needing a safe and warm place. The Grady Cole Recreation Center in Charlotte began operating as a winter storm shelter at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 24. Cabarrus County similarly opened an emergency shelter at the Concord Active Living Center at 11 p.m. on Saturday. Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools canceled all field trips, athletic events, and community use of schools activities scheduled for Sunday, January 25. Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) suspended Gold Line service through Sunday and experienced delays in Blue Line and bus service.
Duke Energy mobilized over 18,000 workers, including company and contract crews, vegetation teams, and support staff from 27 states and Canada, to respond to potential power outages across the Carolinas, with restoration efforts planned to begin when conditions were safe.
Outlook and Continued Caution
Forecasters indicated that cold temperatures would linger into Monday, January 26, with single-digit lows expected, exacerbating hazardous conditions and preventing a thaw. The National Weather Service advised that hazardous travel conditions could affect the Monday commute. Residents were strongly urged to stay home and off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Officials also advised individuals to prepare for potential power outages, have emergency supplies ready, and check road conditions before traveling.
FAQ Section
What type of winter weather impacted the Charlotte area recently?
A significant winter storm brought a mix of sleet, freezing rain, and some snow to the Charlotte area and the wider Carolinas from Saturday afternoon, January 24, through Sunday, January 25, 2026.
When did the winter storm affect Charlotte?
The winter storm began impacting the region on Saturday afternoon, January 24, intensified overnight and continued through most of Sunday, January 25, with freezing rain potentially lingering into Monday morning, January 26.
What were the main impacts of the storm in Charlotte?
The main impacts included widespread flight cancellations at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, hazardous and impassable travel conditions due to icy roads, and the threat of widespread power outages.
What were the expected ice and sleet accumulations in the Charlotte area?
Charlotte was expected to experience up to a half-inch of ice accumulation, while areas to the north and west of Charlotte might see up to three-quarters of an inch of ice. Total snow and sleet accumulations were expected to range from 1 to 3 inches in some parts of the wider region.
What emergency measures were taken in response to the storm?
States of emergency were declared for Mecklenburg County, Cabarrus County, and Lincoln County, as well as statewide for North Carolina and South Carolina. Warming shelters were opened, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools canceled Sunday events. Federal emergency declarations were also approved for both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Key Features of the Winter Storm in Charlotte (January 24-25, 2026)
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Weather Types | Sleet, freezing rain, some snow | Charlotte area and wider Carolinas |
| Timing | Began Saturday afternoon, January 24, intensified through Saturday night and most of Sunday, January 25. Freezing rain potentially lingering into Monday morning, January 26. | Charlotte area |
| Ice Accumulation (Charlotte) | Up to a half-inch of ice | Charlotte |
| Ice Accumulation (North/West of Charlotte) | Up to three-quarters of an inch of ice | Lake Norman, Lincolnton, Hickory, Kannapolis, Salisbury |
| Snow/Sleet Accumulation (Regional) | 1 to 3 inches | Some parts of the wider region |
| Flight Cancellations | Nearly 1,100 flights cancelled as of Sunday, January 25, 12 a.m. at Charlotte Douglas International Airport | Charlotte Douglas International Airport |
| Power Outage Risk | Widespread and long-lasting due to ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs | Charlotte area and Carolinas |
| Road Conditions | Hazardous, treacherous, and potentially impassable due to ice and snow | Charlotte area and surrounding counties |
| Emergency Declarations | States of emergency for Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Lincoln Counties; statewide for North Carolina and South Carolina. Federal emergency declarations approved for both states. | Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Lincoln Counties; North Carolina, South Carolina |
| Warming Shelters Opened | Grady Cole Recreation Center (Charlotte), Concord Active Living Center (Cabarrus County) | Charlotte, Cabarrus County |
| School Closures/Cancellations | Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools canceled all field trips, athletic events, and community use activities for Sunday, January 25. | Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools |
| Utility Response | Duke Energy mobilized over 18,000 workers across the Carolinas | Carolinas |
| Post-Storm Outlook | Cold temperatures lingering into Monday, January 26, with single-digit lows expected. Hazardous travel conditions to affect Monday commute. | Charlotte area |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Water Main Break on Highway 51 Causes Major Disruptions in Pineville
North Carolina Faces Winter Storm and Shooting Investigation
Charlotte Braces for Treacherous Travel as Ice Storm Hits
Charlotte’s Civic Heart: Engaging for a Stronger Future
Raleigh Embraces the Journey of Peace
Charlotte Faces Ice Storm Disruptions Amid European Football Results
Rochester Faces Severe Disruptions from Winter Storm Fern
NC’s Economic Landscape Transformed by AI Growth
Charlotte Community Adapts to Winter Storm Challenges
Police Renew Call for Help in $50,000 Watch Theft
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
