Salted roads & closed schools. Here’s what to know as snow, ice storm hits Charlotte
Local and state agencies are urging the public to be cautious as the Charlotte area prepares for likely snow and ice.
The National Weather Service said Thursday Mecklenburg County could see up to 1.5 inches of snow in some areas Friday as well as sleet and freezing rain. That would be Charlotte’s first measurable snow in three years.
In addition to school and business closures, Mecklenburg County facilities will close at noon Friday and be closed Saturday.
Officials are telling drivers to stay off the roads as crews work to treat and eventually clear thoroughfares. Some public transit will also shut down temporarily. The county and local nonprofits are also partnering to provide shelter to vulnerable populations.
Here’s what to know as the region prepares for a snow and ice storm:
Duke Energy warns of potential power outages
The weekend storm may lead to power outages in the Carolinas, Duke Energy warned in an email to customers.
Residents who lose power should text OUT to 57801, call 1-800-769-3766 or visit outagereport.duke-energy.com to report their outage.
“Damage from ice and snow on trees and power lines, coupled with challenging travel conditions, can sometimes result in longer outage restoration times,” the company said.
Duke recommends customers reduce their thermostats “to the lowest comfortable setting,” set their water heater to 120 degrees or less and open drapes and blinds when the sun is out to help prevent spikes in their energy bills.
Charlotte-area school closings
Most area school districts, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, are shifting to remote or virtual learning Friday. Other districts are having traditional snow days or teacher work days.
See the full list of school closures here.
CATS suspends Gold Line service
The Charlotte Area Transit System will suspend service along the Gold Line streetcar starting 8 p.m. Friday, according to a rider alert issued Thursday.
CATS will use a bus bridge along the normal rail route during the shutdown.
Changing road conditions could cause other delays and detours, the transit authority said. CATS had not announced any changes to Blue Line light rail service or bus service as of Thursday afternoon.
Local, state crews prepping roads
Charlotte crews treated “several higher priority routes” ahead of the storm’s arrival, the city’s Department of Transportation said Thursday.
State transportation officials on Thursday said crews continued to treat state roads and interstates in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Stanly, Union and Anson counties. Crews will work 12-hour shifts during the storm to salt and clear roads.
Officials asked drivers to give crews space on the road and stay home if possible. Those who must travel should expect delays, only use major thoroughfares such as interstates and make sure to clean ice and snow off their vehicles before driving, NCDOT engineer Garret Ratcliffe said. Drivers also should pack a phone and emergency supplies such as a first aid kit and water.
Charlotte residents should call 911 to report fallen trees or tree limbs that are obstructing or completely blocking a road, the city advises. Trees or limbs that fall onto a shoulder, sidewalk or public right-of-way should be reported by calling 311 or using the CLT+ mobile app.
County expands shelter services
Mecklenburg County will activate “extreme weather protocols” Friday through Sunday to expand shelter services for people experiencing homelessness in partnership with Charlotte and area nonprofits.
Roof Above’s Day Services Center, 945 N. College St., will open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., the county said in a statement. Block Love Charlotte’s Day Services Center, 2738 N. Graham St., will open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Roof Above will also provide expanded shelter capacity for men at 1210 N. Tryon St. and 3410 Statesville Ave. Additional shelter space is available for women and families through the Salvation Army at 534 Spratt St.
Hearts for the Invisible is deploying outreach teams to homeless encampments to provide information about shelters and blankets for those who decline to go to a shelter.
Anyone in need of transportation to a shelter can ride CATS buses for free Friday through Sunday.
This story was originally published January 9, 2025 at 5:29 PM.
