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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.
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Feb 01, 2026, 3:20 PM GMT

Duke Energy urges customers to reduce energy use Monday

Duke Energy is urging customers to help ease the strain on the electric grid by reducing energy use Monday morning between 4 and 10 a.m. This move aims to lower demand and avoid the need for temporary power outages.

Here's how you can pitch in:

  • Set your thermostat to the lowest comfortable level.
  • Hold off on using major appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers during that time.
  • Switch off unnecessary devices, unused plug-ins, and lights.
  • If you own an electric vehicle, charge it midday when demand is lower.

"We know it's inconvenient to reduce electric use, but it makes a real difference." said Gerald Wilson, Duke Energy vice president of grid operations. "We are taking every step to meet our customers energy needs, including maximizing our generation and purchasing power and working with large commercial and industrial customers who have demand response programs. We appreciate our customers' cooperation, patience and understanding as we work to maintain reliable service across the Carolinas."

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Feb 01, 2026, 2:17 PM GMT

Section of Hodge Road closed in both directions in Knightdale

In Knightdale, NCDOT closed Hodge Road in both directions from Jenny Circle to Old Faison Road. This will help ensure public safety and allow road crews and first responded to work efficiently.

Drivers are encouraged to:

  • Refrain from traveling unless absolutely necessary
  • Use alternate routes when possible
  • Allow extra travel time
  • Exercise caution on all roads due to ongoing icy conditions

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Feb 01, 2026, 1:11 PM GMT

GoTriangle suspends transit service Sunday

GoTriangle and GoTriangle Access will suspend services on Sunday, Feb. 1, resuming with a delayed start at noon on Monday.

GoDurham and GoDurham Access have also suspended transit service.

Durham officials stated, "Officials are actively monitoring weather and roadway conditions and will provide updates regarding the resumption of service as soon as it is safe to do so."

WATCH: Durham crews battle snow to clear roads

Our Akilah Davis has more.

Chapel Hill Transit will not operate on Sunday. Parks and Recreation, Chapel Hill Public Library, and the book drop are closed as well.

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Feb 01, 2026, 12:52 PM GMT

Over 70 flights canceled, 5 delays at RDU

Already over 70 flights canceled and 5 delays at Raleigh-Durham International Airport Sunday morning.

Watch crews overnight work to clear the runway.

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