Ice projections continue to rise for Charlotte as storm nears, forecasters say
Estimated ice accumulations continue to edge up as the Charlotte area braces for two days of snow, sleet and freezing rain, according to the National Weather Service.
On Friday, an Ice Storm Warning was issued for the area, with forecasters predicting anywhere from a quarter of an inch to three-quarters of an inch of ice could form on surfaces between 1 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Monday.
Snow is far less likely, but the region could see an inch and a half by Monday, forecasters say.
The expected arrival time in Charlotte is between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, forecasters say.
Mostly snow is expected north of Interstate 40 and mostly freezing rain is expected to the south.
“This is subject to change as we get closer to the event due to the transition line between snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain,” the National Weather Service says.
“The biggest concern is the ice threat as the current forecast supports a crippling ice storm for a good portion of the area. Ice covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. Widespread power outages are likely due to the weight of the ice on tree limbs and power lines. The outages could last for days in some areas. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.”
Sleet will kick off the arrival of the storm in Charlotte, with wind gusts of around 23 mph. It will transition to a mix of sleet and freezing rain around 8 p.m. and “sleet could be heavy at times,” forecasters say. The low will be around 20.
On Sunday, there is a 100% chance of freezing rain and sleet that will continue through the night. Temperatures will again fall to around 20 degrees, forecasters say.
The Ice Storm Warning issued Friday for the Carolinas warns “significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel dangerous or impossible,” the National Weather Service says.
Gov. Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina.
“We urge people to get prepared now for what’s shaping up to be a very cold period for our state,” N.C. Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson said in a news release.
“Please don’t try to drive once the storm hits unless it is necessary. Please protect yourselves, your families and everyone responding to this storm by being patient and playing it safe.”
This story was originally published January 23, 2026 at 5:48 AM.