Significant ice storm expected to bring extended power outages and hazardous travel conditions starting Saturday

A significant to potentially major winter storm is set to impact northeastern North Carolina beginning late Saturday afternoon, Jan. 24, 2026, bringing dangerous ice accumulation, hazardous travel conditions, and the threat of widespread, extended power outages that could last for days.

Winter Storm Fern has already prompted North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to declare a state of emergency. The declaration, issued Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, enables government officials to take extra precautionary measures and activates anti-price gouging laws to protect consumers.

What to Expect

According to forecasters from North Carolina’s weather authority, conditions will deteriorate rapidly from west to east Saturday afternoon and evening. While the heaviest ice accumulation is expected from Raleigh westward into the Piedmont and mountains, northeastern North Carolina is still forecast to see a light glaze of ice that will create slick spots and travel impacts, particularly Sunday morning into the early afternoon.

The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures ranging from the lower thirties to the twenties over the weekend, with single digits predicted Monday night as brutal cold settles in behind the storm.

“This storm should be taken seriously,” emergency officials across the state have warned. “The time to prepare is now.”

The Ice Threat

The primary concern with this storm is freezing rain, which creates extremely hazardous driving conditions even in small amounts. Freezing rain differs from sleet in that it creates a smooth, glass-like coating on surfaces rather than ice pellets. When ice accumulation reaches a quarter inch or more, it becomes heavy enough to snap tree branches and power lines, potentially causing widespread outages.

More than 400 National Guard members have been activated to help clear roadways, assist stranded motorists, and distribute emergency supplies including meals, water, and blankets. Power companies across the state have positioned thousands of restoration workers throughout North Carolina in preparation for potential outages.

“Freezing rain is going to be our enemy over the days ahead,” utility officials have warned. “It will build up on tree branches until the weight causes them to break, bringing down power lines and poles.”

In areas with heavier ice accumulation, particularly from Raleigh westward, gusty winds of 25 to 40 mph expected Sunday night into Monday will compound the problem, increasing the likelihood of downed trees and power lines.

Warming Stations and Emergency Resources

For residents who lose power or need a warm place to shelter during the storm, the City of Elizabeth City is opening an overnight warming center this weekend.

Elizabeth City Warming Center:

• Location: Knobbs Creek Recreation Center, 200 E Ward St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909
• Dates: Saturday and Sunday, January 24-25, 2026
• Check-In Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (registration required during this time window)
• Shelter Hours: Overnight stay following check-in
• Important: Registration is required for entry, and residents must arrive between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM

The warming center will provide a warm, safe indoor space to escape the cold, seating and fellowship with neighbors, cots and blankets for rest, and clean restroom facilities.

The United Way also runs a statewide hotline for information about emergency shelters. Residents can call 211 or visit NC211.org for updated information on warming centers in their area.

Last-Minute Preparations

Emergency management officials are urging residents to complete their storm preparations immediately. Here’s what you should do now:

Food and Water:

• Stock up on enough non-perishable food and water for at least a week
• Fill bathtubs and containers with water in case service is interrupted
• Have manual can openers available

Power and Heat:

• Charge all cell phones, mobile devices, and backup power banks
• Have flashlights with fresh batteries ready (avoid candles due to fire risk)
• Prepare alternative heat sources, but NEVER use generators, gas grills, or camping equipment indoors
• Keep generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents

Medications and Health:

• Fill prescriptions now. North Carolina law allows pharmacies to provide early refills during a state of emergency
• Have a week’s supply of critical medications on hand
• Ensure medical equipment has backup power options

Stay Informed:

• Download a weather alert app before the storm hits
• Monitor local news and official social media channels
• Sign up for local emergency alerts through your county’s notification system
• Keep your phone charged and have a car charger ready
• Remember that cell service may be impacted if ice topples communication towers

Vehicle Preparation: If you must travel:

• Keep an emergency kit in your car including scraper, jumper cables, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, water, and snacks
• Clear all snow and ice from windows, headlights, roof, and hood before driving
• Allow extra travel time and drive slowly
• If stranded, stay with your vehicle and crack a window if running the engine for warmth to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Home Preparations:

• Set thermostats to at least 55 degrees if possible to prevent frozen pipes
• Insulate exposed pipes and allow faucets to drip during extreme cold
• Bring pets indoors
• Check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance

Carbon Monoxide Safety

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is warning residents about carbon monoxide dangers during power outages. This odorless, colorless gas can become deadly within minutes in enclosed spaces.

Never:

• Use gas-powered generators, tools, or grills indoors or in enclosed spaces
• Idle vehicles in a garage, even with the door open
• Use gas stoves or ovens to heat your home
• Use charcoal grills or propane camp stoves indoors, even in fireplaces

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, fatigue, confusion, headaches, and nausea. If you experience these symptoms, get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

Staying Informed During Power Outages

If your power goes out during the storm, staying informed about weather conditions and closures is critical. Here are practical ways to access information without electricity:

Local AM/FM Radio Stations:

• Regular battery-powered radios are the most reliable and accessible option during power outages
• Local radio stations will broadcast continuous weather updates, emergency information, and closure announcements
• Keep extra batteries on hand, or use a hand-crank emergency radio

Your Vehicle:

• Use your car radio for updates (run the engine periodically in a well-ventilated outdoor area)
• Charge your phone using your vehicle’s USB port or a car charger
• This is often the quickest way to get updated information if your home loses power

Cell Phone (while battery lasts):

• Put your phone in low-power mode to preserve battery
• Check for updates only periodically to conserve power
• Text messages often work when calls don’t during network congestion

NOAA Weather Radio (if you already own one):

• If you have a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio, it will provide continuous official weather alerts on VHF frequencies (162.400-162.550 MHz)
• These are highly reliable during emergencies but require a special receiver

Closure Information:

• School closings, government office closures, and other announcements will be broadcast on local AM/FM radio and television stations
• Before losing power, note your school district’s and local government’s emergency notification procedures
• Many counties offer text or phone alert systems — sign up now if you haven’t already

Power Restoration Updates:

• Contact your utility provider to report outages and receive restoration updates
• Check your provider’s website or outage map for estimated restoration times
• Many providers offer text or phone alerts for outage notifications

State officials are strongly urging residents to stay home and off the roads during the storm. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has pre-treated roads with over 800,000 gallons of brine using more than 1,600 crews and contractors, but icy conditions will make travel extremely dangerous.

“Please don’t try to drive once the storm hits unless it’s necessary,” said NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson. “Please protect yourselves, your families and everyone responding to this storm by being patient and playing it safe.”

Road conditions can be monitored at DriveNC.gov, which provides real-time updates on closures, incidents, and ice conditions.

Power Outage Tracking

Residents can track power outages and report service interruptions through their utility providers:

• Local municipal electric departments: Contact your town’s electric department directly
• Dominion Energy: Visit dominionenergy.com/outage-center or call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357)
• Albemarle Electric Membership Corporation: Visit aemc.coop or call 252-426-5735
• Other providers: Visit readync.gov for updates posted every 30 minutes

Never approach or drive over downed power lines and report them immediately to your utility provider or 911.

Bottom Line

Winter Storm Fern represents a significant threat to northeastern North Carolina, with the potential for dangerous travel conditions and possible power outages. While the heaviest ice is expected farther west, even a light glaze can create hazardous conditions.

Officials emphasize that residents should plan to shelter in place for at least 72 hours, from Saturday evening through Monday, with the understanding that recovery efforts may take longer if widespread damage occurs.

“There is no reason to panic,” forecasters say. “Have a plan in place, hunker down, and we will get through this together.”

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those living alone, and to report any emergencies to 911. Stay tuned to local news and weather sources for the latest updates as conditions develop.

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For the latest forecast updates and emergency information, visit your local news station’s website or the National Weather Service at weather.gov. Emergency shelter information is available by calling 211.