Charlotte, North Carolina, February 1, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina, faced its most substantial winter storm in years, bringing heavy snowfall and causing major disruptions. The winter storm, referred to as a ‘Bomb Cyclone,’ delivered between six to eleven inches of snow across the region. The unusual weather resulted in numerous accidents, flight cancellations, and concerns about power outages as residents prepared for dangerously cold conditions. Despite the challenges, many Charlotteans took the opportunity to enjoy winter activities, marking a rare snow event in the area.
Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina, experienced its most significant winter storm in years this past weekend, with heavy snowfall blanketing the metropolitan area and causing widespread disruptions. The “Bomb Cyclone” delivered an anticipated 6 to 11 inches of snow across the region by Sunday morning, February 1, 2026, transforming the Queen City into a winter wonderland. This event marked a notable shift from previous wintry weather, which had primarily brought ice and sleet to the area.
The snowfall, which began on Saturday, January 31, 2026, brought varying accumulations across different neighborhoods. Early reports indicated snow totals generally ranging from 4 to 9 inches across the Charlotte metro area. Specific measurements included approximately 6 to 9 inches in Uptown, about 6.5 inches in Huntersville, around 7.5 inches in Kannapolis, and mid-5 inches in Concord and Harrisburg. These amounts represented the deepest snow Charlotte has seen in years, with some comparisons drawn to the last time the city received over 3 inches of snow on January 17, 2018.
Widespread Impacts and Travel Disruptions
The severe weather conditions led to considerable travel disruptions and safety concerns. The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported nearly 200 vehicular accidents statewide as a result of the storm. Air travel was also severely impacted, with almost 1,000 flights canceled or delayed at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport midway through Saturday, January 31, 2026. While earlier forecasts had warned of potential ice accumulations of up to three-quarters of an inch, the primary precipitation during this specific weekend storm was powdery, dry snow.
Preparations and Cold Conditions
In anticipation of the severe weather, a Winter Storm Watch had been issued for the Charlotte area, encompassing counties such as Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, and Union, and remained in effect until Sunday. Authorities had urged residents to prepare for potential widespread issues on roadways and the possibility of power outages. Duke Energy had staged approximately 18,000 workers to assist with power restoration efforts following the storm. Residents had also stocked up on winter storm supplies, which were reportedly flying off the shelves in the days leading up to the event.
Beyond the heavy snowfall, dangerously cold temperatures and strong wind gusts were forecast to persist through the weekend and into early the following week. Wind chills were expected to drop to 5 to 10 degrees below zero for the Piedmont region, where Charlotte is located. This prolonged period of freezing temperatures raised concerns about frozen pipes, a common issue during extended cold snaps. State transportation officials, including the North Carolina Department of Transportation, had deployed 2.8 million gallons of brine statewide to pretreat roads ahead of the storm. In Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Anson, Stanly, and Union counties alone, workers utilized 183,250 gallons of brine.
Community Response and Lingering Cold
The storm prompted Governor Josh Stein to urge residents to prepare for potential extended power outages and limited travel, advising them to have several days’ worth of emergency supplies, including food and water, and to be ready to stay home. Despite the challenges, many Charlotte residents embraced the snow, engaging in activities such as sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen, enjoying a winter wonderland rarely seen in the region. The cold temperatures are expected to linger for several days after the snow ends.
The previous week had seen a different kind of wintry weather, with some areas experiencing an ice storm that dropped up to three-tenths of an inch of freezing rain on January 25. This most recent “Bomb Cyclone,” however, brought a significant amount of dry, powdery snow, providing a stark contrast and a memorable weekend for many in Charlotte.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much snow fell in the Charlotte area on Saturday, January 31, 2026?
Early reports indicated snow totals generally ranging from 4 to 9 inches across the Charlotte metro area. Specific measurements included approximately 6 to 9 inches in Uptown, about 6.5 inches in Huntersville, around 7.5 inches in Kannapolis, and mid-5 inches in Concord and Harrisburg.
When did the winter storm end in Charlotte?
The “Bomb Cyclone” delivered an anticipated 6 to 11 inches of snow across the region by Sunday morning, February 1, 2026.
What were the major impacts of the winter storm in Charlotte?
The North Carolina Highway Patrol reported nearly 200 vehicular accidents statewide as a result of the storm. Almost 1,000 flights were canceled or delayed at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport midway through Saturday, January 31, 2026. Dangerously cold temperatures and strong wind gusts were forecast to persist, with wind chills expected to drop to 5 to 10 degrees below zero for the Piedmont region.
Were there concerns about power outages?
Authorities had urged residents to prepare for the possibility of power outages. Duke Energy had staged approximately 18,000 workers to assist with power restoration efforts following the storm.
What preparations were made for the storm?
A Winter Storm Watch had been issued for the Charlotte area. State transportation officials, including the North Carolina Department of Transportation, had deployed 2.8 million gallons of brine statewide to pretreat roads ahead of the storm. Governor Josh Stein urged residents to prepare with emergency supplies and to stay home.
Key Features of the Charlotte Winter Storm
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Type | “Bomb Cyclone” winter storm with heavy snowfall | Regional |
| Primary Dates | Saturday, January 31, 2026, through Sunday, February 1, 2026 | Local |
| Snow Accumulation | Anticipated 6 to 11 inches across the region by Sunday morning; early reports 4 to 9 inches across metro area | Local |
| Ice Accumulation | Primary precipitation was powdery, dry snow; earlier forecasts warned of up to three-quarters of an inch of ice | Local |
| Vehicular Accidents | Nearly 200 reported by N.C. Highway Patrol | State-level |
| Flight Disruptions | Almost 1,000 flights canceled or delayed at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport | Local |
| Temperatures | Dangerously cold temperatures and strong wind gusts, wind chills 5 to 10 degrees below zero for Piedmont region | Regional |
| Power Outage Concerns | Authorities urged preparation, Duke Energy staged approximately 18,000 workers | Local |
| Road Preparations | 2.8 million gallons of brine deployed statewide by NCDOT; 183,250 gallons in select counties | State-level |
| Community Response | Residents engaged in sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen | Local |
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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.
