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Snowstorm leads to extreme cold, closed schools, businesses, travel dangers in NC | Live Updates

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Last updated: Wednesday, February 4, 2026 1:53AM GMT
Second round of winter weather in Central NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Another winter storm, known as a bomb cyclone, hit parts of Central North Carolina for the second consecutive weekend.

Several weather alerts were issued for the ABC11 viewing area, including a winter storm warning and extreme cold warning. Heavy snow fell across the Triangle and much of North Carolina.

The National Weather Service office in Raleigh warned that wind chills will drop early Monday to near zero Fahrenheit (-17 Celsius). "Snow and ice will linger, with refreezing tonight making travel hazardous," the office said Sunday on social media. "Use caution on roads and dress in warm layers."

In eastern North Carolina, James City recorded 18 inches of snow, while Swansboro recorded 17 inches, the weather service reported.

The bomb cyclone, known to meteorologists as an intense, rapidly strengthening weather system, contributed to nearly a foot of snow in and around Charlotte. The snowfall represented a top-five snow event all-time there, the NWS said.

Flight cancellations exceeded 2,800 in the U.S. on Saturday, with at least another 1,800 on Sunday, according to FlightAware, a flight tracking and data company. More than 800 of those Sunday cancellations were for flights departing from or arriving at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

The storm caused an hours-long mess on Interstate 85 northeast of the city, after a crash left dozens of semitractors and other vehicles backed up into Saturday evening, according to the State Highway Patrol. More than 1,000 traffic collisions and two road deaths were reported, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said Sunday.

Last week's storm blanketed the area with ice and kept schools closed for most of the week. However, most schools had remote learning days. Business owners said they were hurt by the storm because they had to close early or couldn't open at all.

The Associated Press contributed

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 30, 2026, 7:28 PM GMT

Weekend activities canceled for Wake, Durham public schools

Due to the winter storm, Wake County Public Schools (WCPSS) has canceled all athletic and extracurricular activities that were scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Click on WCPSS to check for updates.

Statement from WCPSS: "Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we work to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and families."

Durham Public Schools

Durham Public Schools is also canceling all activities and events scheduled for Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1. This includes all facility rentals.

DPS released this statement: "DPS continues to closely monitor this weekend's weather. Our team remains in contact with local weather officials and is assessing conditions across the district. Any changes to school operations next week will be shared with families and staff as soon as possible. Stay tuned to our social media and website for the latest. Thank you and stay safe this weekend."

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Jan 30, 2026, 6:51 PM GMT

NC DMV snow day message

If you're wondering about your appointment with the The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) from back-to-back winter storm weekends that carried over into the weekdays, they have a plan.

The agency tells ABC11 that some offices may experience delayed openings or temporary closures due to inclement weather.

Marty Homan said, "Customers with appointments will be contacted to reschedule. If you aren't contacted and your office is closed, your appointment will be honored if you walk in another day."

Click on NCDMV to check the status of an office.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news alerts and weather alerts

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Jan 30, 2026, 6:24 PM GMT

Chatham County declares state of emergency

Chatham County declared a state of emergency Friday ahead of the winter storm.

"This is the second major winter storm to impact Chatham County in just one week, and it is critical that residents take this storm seriously," said Amanda Robertson, Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chair. "Ice accumulation from last week remains in some areas, making conditions especially dangerous. I urge residents to stay informed, limit travel, and put safety first. I also want to sincerely thank our Emergency Operations staff, our law enforcement partners, and our utility crews who continue to work around the clock-often in hazardous conditions-to keep our community safe. Their dedication and professionalism make a real difference during times like these."

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Jan 30, 2026, 5:52 PM GMT

Stein talks preps for 2nd round of winter weather this weekend

Governor Josh Stein addressed the state Friday to talk about the snow storm approaching.

He and all agencies within the emergency response team are tracking the storm closely and preparing just as they did last week. NCDOT noted that there were 0 storm-related fatalities throughout last week's storm.

Watch full press conference below:

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