Major Ice Storm Timeline and Estimated North Carolina Impacts | Vibe NC

Major Ice Storm Timeline and Estimated North Carolina Impacts

North Carolina, it’s time to get serious about what’s heading our way this weekend.

Good evening, and thank you for joining us. We’re tracking a developing major ice storm that is poised to bring significant challenges across North Carolina. WRAL’s expert meteorologists, Kat Campbell and Michelle Mackonochie, have been working tirelessly to compile the most up-to-date timeline and provide a clear picture of what residents can anticipate. They’ll walk us through the progression of this winter event, detailing when the precipitation is expected to start and intensify, and which regions are likely to see the heaviest ice accumulations.

Their latest models indicate that the weekend of January 24th and 25th, 2026, will be particularly critical, with widespread power outages and treacherous travel conditions becoming major concerns. Beyond the ice, an intense arctic air mass is projected to follow, ushering in dangerously bitter cold temperatures that will linger for days, creating additional hazards for homes and infrastructure. We’ll outline the potential impacts on daily life, from school closures to travel disruptions, and offer essential preparation tips to help you stay safe and warm as this storm unfolds.

What are your biggest concerns about this storm? Let us know in the comments below.