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

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Feb 01, 2026, 12:42 AM GMT

Weather causes major flight disruptions at RDU and in Charlotte

The weather caused some major flight disruptions at RDU airport and in Charlotte.

There were at least 176 flight cancellations and 29 delays at RDU.

Starting February 1, passengers will need to have their REAL ID or passport to make it through security.

People will also have the option to pay a fee to make it to their gate also.

The travel situation is much worse at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

FlightAware reports nearly 1,100 cancellations there.

American Airlines has canceled its remaining flights into and out of charlotte for the evening because of the weather.

There were at least 176 flight cancellations and 29 delays at RDU.
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Jan 31, 2026, 11:40 PM GMT

PHOTOS: Viewer submissions as snow blankets central NC

As snow blankets most of central North Carolina, check out some of the photos viewers have submitted from throughout the region.

1 of 83
These guys look like they had loads of snow fun in Garner!
Submitted by April Johnson
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Feb 01, 2026, 1:12 AM GMT

GoDurham, GoDurham ACCESS to operate on snow route service

GoTriangle and GoTriangle ACCESS will operate delayed services on Sunday starting at Noon.

The transportation service will monitor road conditions throughout the day and riders are encouraged to pay attention to communications regarding potential service changes dependent upon changing weather conditions.

Service desk windows at both GoTriangle's Regional Transit Center (RTC) and Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility (RUS Bus) will be closed on Sunday.

Other Services Resuming

  • GoDurham ACCESS On-Demand
  • GoDurham Connect
  • Senior Shuttle

Get live updates from ABC11 throughout the storm online, where you stream and in our live blog.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news alerts and weather alerts

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Jan 31, 2026, 9:28 PM GMT

Wake County non-essential services to resume

Wake County says it will resume all services, including libraries, solid waste convenience centers, and parks and reserves, at noon on Sunday. Should conditions deteriorate to an unsafe point overnight, the closure will be reevaluated in the morning and potentially extended to keep residents and employees safe.

However, the Athens Drive Community Library will remain closed as long as Wake County Public Schools are closed.

Get live updates from ABC11 throughout the storm online, where you stream and in our live blog.

Download the ABC11 App for breaking news alerts and weather alerts