North Carolina, January 25, 2026
North Carolina is currently dealing with a significant winter storm that has resulted in multiple school closures, treacherous travel conditions, and anticipated power outages. In tandem, authorities in Thomasville are investigating a shooting that occurred at a local business. Governor Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency as the storm continues to impact the region. Residents are advised to exercise caution and prepare for hazardous weather conditions.
Greensboro, North Carolina
North Carolina Grapples with Widespread Winter Storm Impacts and Ongoing Thomasville Shooting Investigation
North Carolina is experiencing significant disruptions as a major winter storm continues to impact the state, leading to numerous school closings and delays for Monday, January 26, 2026, alongside treacherous travel conditions and anticipated widespread power outages. Simultaneously, authorities in Thomasville are actively investigating a shooting that occurred on Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2026, at a local business, with the site remaining closed for investigation. These events have prompted officials to urge caution and preparedness across the region.
Winter Storm Grips the State
A substantial winter storm, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, has affected North Carolina since Saturday, January 24, 2026, with conditions expected to persist through Monday, January 26, 2026. Governor Josh Stein declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in anticipation of the severe weather, which is forecasted to cause significant impacts across various sectors.
Dangerous Accumulations and Travel Conditions
Western North Carolina has been under a National Weather Service Ice Storm Warning, effective from Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 1 p.m., with predictions of up to 2 inches of ice accumulation. Similarly, the cities of Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheboro were placed under a Winter Storm Warning for the same duration, expecting a combination of ice, freezing rain, and snow. Forecasters indicate that areas along and north of the I-85 corridor could experience ice totals exceeding an inch and a half. These dangerous icy conditions are making travel perilous across much of the state for several days, prompting officials to strongly advise residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Power Outage Concerns and State Preparations
The accumulation of ice on trees and power lines is expected to result in significant and widespread power outages. In response to these threats, state transportation crews pre-treated roads with over 3.6 million gallons of brine by Saturday morning to mitigate ice formation. Temperatures are projected to drop into the mid-twenties for highs and mid-teens for lows in the Triangle area over the weekend, potentially dipping into single digits by Tuesday morning, exacerbating the risk of black ice. Emergency management officials have recommended that residents pay close attention to local forecasts, keep mobile devices charged, and have emergency supplies ready, highlighting the importance of preparedness during this severe weather event. The Charlotte area has also been under a Winter Storm Watch through 1 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, indicating broader regional impacts.
Extensive School Closures and Delays for Monday, January 26
The ongoing winter storm has led to widespread educational disruptions, with numerous schools and institutions announcing closures, delays, or transitions to remote learning for Monday, January 26, 2026.
Piedmont Triad Area and Surrounding Counties
- Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools (WS/FCS) closed buildings and canceled all student activities on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, due to the winter weather. Monday, January 26, 2026, is designated as a staff workday, meaning students were already not scheduled to attend school.
- Guilford County Schools (GCS) has Monday, January 26, 2026, listed as a Teacher Workday on its academic calendar, indicating no regular student attendance.
- Winston-Salem Christian School-Early Learning Center and K-12 announced full closures for Monday, January 26, 2026.
- Guilford Technical Community College canceled all classes for Monday, January 26, 2026.
- Piedmont Community College (Caswell campus locations) were closed on Sunday, January 25, with further operational decisions to be determined.
Other North Carolina and Neighboring State Disruptions
Beyond the immediate Piedmont Triad, other educational institutions across North Carolina are also adjusting schedules. NC Central University will conduct classes virtually on both Monday, January 26, and Tuesday, January 27, 2026. NC State University is operating under a Suspended Operations order from Saturday, January 24, through Tuesday, January 27, resulting in the cancellation of all Monday classes, including remote ones. Duke University activated its severe weather policy from Saturday, January 24, until Monday, January 26, canceling in-person attendance for classes before 11:30 a.m. on Monday, though instructors may provide remote content or assignments. Bladen County Schools will implement a remote learning day on Monday, January 26, 2026. Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools noted that while Monday, January 26, is a scheduled teacher workday, significant snowfall or icing could impact school for several additional days.
In neighboring South Carolina, numerous schools and universities, including Clemson University, Furman University, Abbeville County School District, Greenwood School District 50, North Greenville University, Laurens County School Districts 55 and 56, Wofford College, Anderson University, Sumter County Schools, Newberry County School District, Kershaw County School District, Dillon School District 4, and Florence School Districts 3 and 5, have announced closures, e-learning days, or delays for Monday, January 26, due to the widespread winter weather conditions.
Thomasville Shooting Investigation Underway
The Thomasville Police Department is currently investigating a shooting incident that took place on Saturday afternoon, January 24, 2026, at the Sheetz convenience store located at 1810 Liberty Drive. The establishment remained closed throughout Sunday, January 25, 2026, as law enforcement officials conducted their investigation.
Public Safety Advisory
Authorities have assured the public that there is no immediate threat to general safety in the area. However, they have requested that residents avoid the vicinity of the Sheetz on Liberty Drive to allow officers to perform their duties safely and efficiently. As of Sunday, January 25, 2026, law enforcement has not released any details regarding the cause of the shooting or whether any arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Key Features of Recent Events in North Carolina
| Event | Location / Scope | Key Details | Impact Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Storm | North Carolina (State-level) | Bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain; significant ice accumulation expected. Widespread power outages anticipated. Dangerous travel conditions. Governor declared a State of Emergency. | Saturday, Jan. 24 – Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 |
| School Closures & Delays | Piedmont Triad (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) and other NC areas; Neighboring South Carolina | Numerous educational institutions, including WS/FCS, GCS, Winston-Salem Christian School, Guilford Technical Community College, NC Central University, NC State University, Duke University, and various SC schools, announced closures, e-learning, or delays. | Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 (and potentially beyond) |
| Shooting Investigation | Thomasville, NC (Specific location: Sheetz, 1810 Liberty Drive) | Police investigating an incident that occurred Saturday afternoon. Store closed for investigation. No immediate public threat, but area to be avoided. No details on cause or arrests released. | Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 (ongoing investigation as of Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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