Sleet moving out, icy conditions staying: Latest Triangle forecast, closings
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Precipitation amounts, including snow and sleet, have been less than anticipated.
- Temperatures will be in the 20s and intermittent sleet will transition to freezing rain.
- Officials continue to warn drivers to stay off the roads, and closings are widespread.
After a smattering of freezing rain and sleet moved across the Triangle Sunday night, temperatures are expected to rise Monday before potentially falling to single-digits.
The winter storm warning remains in effect for much of central North Carolina until 1 p.m. Monday.
Ice and hazardous roads could still be a problem early Monday morning. Then temperatures are expected to rise and melt much of the ice throughout the day. The forecasted highs for Raleigh and Durham are 37 and 35 degrees, respectively.
But cold temperatures will return Monday night and into Tuesday, refreezing any ice that remains, according to the National Weather Service.
“An Extreme Cold Watch or Cold Weather Advisory may be needed for Monday night into Tuesday morning, as lows are forecast to drop into the single digits in the north/northwest and into the teens elsewhere,” according to the National Weather Service. “Additionally, sub-zero wind chills are likely in the coldest spots. Low temperatures look to stay in the teens to low 20s Tuesday and Wednesday nights, before cooling down further after the next Arctic front Thursday.”
The next chance of precipitation looks to return on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Hunkered-down Triangle residents woke up to a layer of ice and snow covering the ground on Sunday morning. As the day went on, temperatures in Raleigh rose to the 20s, with intermittent sleet, freezing rain and rain throughout the evening.
With the “lulls” that interrupted the precipitation, totals were less than anticipated on Sunday, the NWS said. As of Sunday morning, a quarter or half-inch of snow and sleet had fallen in the Raleigh area, the NWS said. Ice accumulations of up to three-tenths of an inch were expected.
More than 600 weather-related traffic crashes were reported through 6 p.m. Sunday, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol — none of them fatal.
Thousands lost power around the state.
Stay off roads if possible
Officials continue to warn drivers to stay off the roads.
“If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution. Consider preparing and taking a winter storm kit along with you, including anything that would help you survive in case you become stranded,” the NWS says.
More than 360 departing and arriving flights scheduled for Sunday had been canceled at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, along with more than 70 Monday flights.
Dozens of businesses, government offices and services will not operate Sunday and Monday. Rail travel Sunday was also canceled.
Bookmark this story and check back often for the latest updates, warnings, and other storm-related news.
I-95 South reopens near I-40
9:18 p.m. Sunday: All south lanes of Interstate 95 near Interstate 40 have reopened after a crash that occurred near Exit 98, East Anderson Street, around 6 p.m., according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
As of 6 p.m., there have been 608 winter-related collisions and 643 calls for service over the last 24 hours in the state that were related to the winter weather, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. There have been no weather-related fatal collisions.
Durham, Orange, Chatham, Johnston counties close Monday
6:34 p.m. Sunday: Several county governments are closing nonessential services on Monday. Durham, Orange, Chatham and Johnston counties have joined Wake County in closing on Monday.
For more closings, read this story.
NC National Guard mobilize
5:44 p.m. Sunday: More than 450 North Carolina National Guard personnel and more than 180 Guard vehicles have been activated to respond to the storm across the state. It’s the state’s largest Guard activation since the remnants of Hurricane Helene hit the state in September 2024.
Some of those vehicles include High Mobility Multipurpose Wheel Vehicles able to traverse icy and hazardous conditions to assist law enforcement and other first responders. They are primarily focused on assisting stranded motorists and recovering vehicles.
Wake County nonessential services closed on Monday
1:45 p.m. Sunday: Wake County government nonessential services, including solid waste services, are closed on Monday. The county’s EMS, emergency management, fire and other essential services will remain in operation, according to the county, though responses could be delayed by dangerous driving conditions.
The county’s Emergency Operations Center is operating a phone bank at 919-856-7044 for residents who need help with non-emergency concerns like shelter updates, road condition updates or county services.
What schools are closed Monday?
12:25 p.m. Sunday: School districts are starting to announce their plans for Monday.
- Wake County: Monday already is a teacher workday for schools on the traditional calendar. But those who are in session will have a remote instruction day. Students at traditional calendar schools are not expected to complete remote instruction assignments. Athletic and extracurricular events scheduled for Monday are also canceled.
- Durham County: Monday will be a remote learning day. Students should use the learning packets and Canvas assignments shared last week. Families with questions should contact their child’s teacher.
- Chapel Hill-Carrboro: Schools are already scheduled to be closed Monday for students because it’s a teacher workday.
This list of school districts will be updated as closings are announced.
Most universities have canceled classes for Monday. That includes UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State and NC Central. Duke has canceled in-person classes that begin before 7 p.m. Monday
Flights canceled at RDU airport
12:25 p.m. Sunday: More than 350 arriving and departing flights on Sunday have been canceled. Only a handful of evening departures are still scheduled, and those are subject to change, said airport officials, who urged people to check with their airlines about flights in the coming days.
Some RDU flights were scrubbed because of weather conditions in other cities, as the storm moves in from the west toward the Northeast. Others were canceled in anticipation of deteriorating weather in North Carolina.
Airlines canceled dozens of arrivals and departures at RDU on Saturday, well before the storm moved in.
For updates, see this story.
NC Gov. Josh Stein cautions about road conditions, power outages
12:15 p.m. Sunday: N.C. Gov. Josh Stein and other state officials gave a virtual press briefing about the winter storm impacts. Stein said the state is not out of the woods yet, and that the same concerns from Saturday remain Sunday: power outages and road conditions.
Three brief interstate closures have already been reopened. The State Highway Patrol has removed 339 abandoned cars and dealt with more than 400 crashes, Stein said.
Read more in this story.
Buddhist monks continue Walk for Peace
12:15 p.m. Sunday: Supporters of the Buddhist monks have worried all week about how they might navigate the snow. For much of their Walk for Peace journey, many have walked barefoot or only with thick socks.
Undeterred by the weather, they began their walk Sunday morning on the way to Rolesville. This time, they wore boots and were bundled up. The crowds that had greeted them earlier in the week were gone from the roads, with just a few onlookers braving the frigid temperatures.
By noon, a livestream on the Walk for Peace Facebook page showed a crowd had gathered to greet them at their mid-day stop at Van-Hanh Pagoda. Video showed a peace sign in the snow, instead of the traditional flower petals, along their slushy path.
Sledding at Dix Park
Noon Sunday: Dix Park is normally the go-to spot for sledding in Raleigh. And while the weekend storm ended up being more ice than snow, there was still enough snow for about 20 people to head to the Grove at Dix Park Sunday morning to sled.
Luna Prado, 7, screamed in excitement when she woke up and saw the snow. She insisted to her mom, Sara, that they owned a sled. After searching, they found it and went to Dix Park, where they spent over an hour having fun. Luna said the snow and ice mixture was OK enough, but she wished there was more so she could make a snowman.
Shelters set up in the Triangle
Wake County
- Southeast Raleigh High School, 2600 Rock Quarry Road, Raleigh
- Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road, Wake Forest
The shelters are pet-friendly. Those taking shelter should bring prescription medications, extra clothing, cash, items for infants and young children, and any other essentials like hearing aids, batteries or contact lens solution.
Durham County
Northern High School, 4622 N. Roxboro St. in Durham. Bring essential items, including medications, food, hygiene items, pillows and blankets. The shelter will have shower facilities available, and has kennels for dogs and cats. Owners should come prepared to clean up after their pets.
Orange County
- Smith Middle School, 9201 Seawell School Road in Chapel Hill
Shelter volunteers will not ask for proof of citizenship or identification. People are encouraged to bring medications and personal items, chargers for electronic devices, books and games to pass the time, snacks, and any important documents.
Food and water will be available, and pets are welcome, but may be housed in a separate area. Pet owners should bring proof of current, full vaccination for each pet, an adequate supply of pet food, and a photo of the pet with the owner.
Johnston County
Multiple White Flag shelters are offering a warm place to stay. Some have asked people to call before arriving:
- Johnston County shelter at 600 M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway, Smithfield, will open at 1 p.m. Saturday.
- Street Reach of Johnston County will open at 2 p.m. Saturday. Call ahead at 919-912-9854
- Smithfield Rescue Mission is open. Call ahead at 919-205-1977
- The Salvation Army shelter is open. Call ahead at 470-753-6439
UNC encourages fans to watch basketball on TV
11 a.m. Sunday: North Carolina women’s basketball announced on Sunday morning that due to hazardous weather conditions fans are encouraged to watch its game against Syracuse on television.
The Tar Heels (16-5, 5-3 ACC) host the Orange (16-3, 6-2) at Carmichael Arena at noon. The game will be broadcast on ACCNX, or it is available on the radio at 97.9 FM/1360 AM, GoHeels.com, the GoHeels App or the Varsity Network App. Carmichael Arena will be open to anyone who can walk to the venue safely. Parking and other services will be operating in a limited capacity.
Wegmans stores closed Sunday
8 a.m. Sunday: Wegmans grocery stores across the Triangle are closed Sunday, the company announced. No time has been set for reopening. The company suggested checking on individual stores at the Wegmans website.
Here is a complete list of weather-related closings for Sunday.
Durham County declares state of emergency
6:47 p.m. Saturday: The Durham County Board of Commissioners declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the coming weather.
Board Chair Mike Lee said the county was encouraging residents to “use caution until the event has passed,” according to a news release.
The declaration didn’t trigger any restrictions but gave Sheriff Clarence Birkhead the authority to close roadways, bridges, highways and other areas used for vehicular travel if needed.
The state of emergency will remain in effect at least through 5 p.m. Jan. 31, unless otherwise extended or rescinded, according to the declaration.
Thousands brave Raleigh cold to welcome monks
3:55 p.m. Saturday: Frigid temperatures ahead of a major winter storm didn’t stop thousands from pouring into downtown Raleigh on Saturday to see Buddhist monks on their Walk for Peace at the State Capitol.
People bundled up against the cold and wind lined Hillsborough Street in anticipation, as they do each November for the Raleigh Christmas parade. The crowd pressed forward to see the monks as the first police escort motorcycles turned the corner from Boylan Avenue to Hillsborough Street.
As the peace walk passed, spectators moved from the sidewalk to the street to follow the procession. The blocks between Boylan Avenue and the Capitol soon became a moving sea of people.
Donna Bailey said she saw the gathering as a protest, noting the deadly shooting of a man in Minneapolis on Saturday by federal agents.
She held a sign as the monks passed that read: “Dear world, we are so sorry. Love, sane Americans.”
UNC-Chapel Hill restricts roads around campus, hospital
3:47 p.m. Saturday: UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts declared a Campus State of Emergency through Tuesday, restricting traffic on campus between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night, except for public safety, health care or other campus or local essential staff.
The restriction will allow emergency hospital access and effective ice removal, UNC Police said in a Facebook post. People seeking emergency medical care at the hospital are also exempt, they said.
The university has reduced on-campus operations through Monday and is urging students to stay home. Sign up for Alert Carolina text messages to stay up to the date on the latest information.
Clayton asks residents to report lost power, water
2 p.m. Saturday: The town of Clayton declared a local state of emergency Saturday afternoon. Johnston County is operating winter weather shelters for residents, town officials said.
Clayton residents who lose power or water during the winter storm can submit a report to the town’s Communication and Outage Messaging System ): Text POWER to 919-553-1530 to report lost electricity or WATER to 919-553-1530.
Outages can also be reported online at TownofClaytonNC.org/COMS.
Flights canceled, airlines stopping service at RDU
1 p.m. Saturday: Dozens of arriving and departing flights have been canceled at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and more cancellations are expected as the storm moves across the country.
Southwest Airlines has told RDU that it will cease flight operations at the airport at 3 p.m. Saturday, and United Airlines says it will stop at 4 p.m. Frontier also said it would stop flying at RDU at some point Saturday.
Check here for more airport storm updates.
Durham County opens storm shelter
12:45 p.m. Saturday: Durham County has opened a mass care storm shelter at Northern High School, 4622 N. Roxboro St. in Durham.
Bring essential items, including medications, food, hygiene items, pillows and blankets. The shelter will have shower facilities available, and has kennels for dogs and cats. Owners should come prepared to clean up after their pets.
GoDurham services are ending at 3 p.m. Saturday and will not start again until Tuesday.
Johnston County opens White Flag shelters
12 p.m. Saturday: Johnston County declared a local State of Emergency just before noon Saturday and opened its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the storm response and support local agencies.
Multiple White Flag shelters are offering a warm place to stay. Some have asked people to call before arriving:
- Johnston County shelter at 600 M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway, Smithfield, will open at 1 p.m. Saturday.
- Street Reach of Johnston County will open at 2 p.m. Saturday. Call ahead at 919-912-9854
- Smithfield Rescue Mission is open. Call ahead at 919-205-1977
- The Salvation Army shelter is open. Call ahead at 470-753-6439
Residents can call 919-989-5400 for answers to non-emergency questions about the storm.
Monks cancel peace talk at Dix Park, still walking to State Capitol
11 a.m. Saturday: The Buddhist monks making a Walk for Peace to Washington D.C. canceled a “peace talk” they planned to have at Dorothea Dix Park Saturday afternoon “due to the cold weather and to protect the health and comfort of the venerable monks and everyone attending,” according to their Facebook page.
The monks still plan to resume their walk at 2 p.m. from Greg Poole Jr. All Faiths Chapel to the State Capitol building and hold a peace gathering at the Capitol at 3:30 p.m.
Karen Nielsen, a Duke nurse who lives in Durham, joined the crowded waiting for the monks at Dix Park.
“If you can’t do the right thing when it’s uncomfortable, you can’t do it when it’s easy,” Nielsen told The N&O. “This shows how many people in the world want peace. So many people are suffering because of the trauma of the world.”
Wake County opens emergency shelters
10:45 a.m. Saturday: Wake County announced that it will open emergency shelters at 3 p.m. Saturday at two area high schools:
- Southeast Raleigh High School 2600 Rock Quarry Road Raleigh, NC 27610
- Heritage High School1150 Forestville RoadWake Forest, NC 27587
The shelters are pet-friendly. Those taking shelter should bring prescription medications, extra clothing, cash, items for infants and young children, and any other essentials like hearing aids, batteries or contact lens solution.
Orange County opens Chapel Hill, Hillsborough shelters
10:30 a.m. Saturday: Orange County has opened an emergency shelter at Smith Middle School, 9201 Seawell School Road in Chapel Hill, and is making preparations to open a second shelter at Orange Middle School in Hillsborough if needed.
Residents are encouraged to show up as soon as possible, local officials said. Call 919-245-6111 for a free ride or information.
Shelter volunteers will not ask for proof of citizenship or identification. People are encouraged to bring medications and personal items, chargers for electronic devices, books and games to pass the time, snacks, and any important documents.
Food and water will be available, and pets are welcome, but may be housed in a separate area. Pet owners should bring proof of current, full vaccination for each pet, an adequate supply of pet food, and a photo of the pet with the owner.
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UNC Health clinics closing
10 a.m. Saturday: All UNC Health Urgent Care clinics will close early at 5 p.m. Saturday — except in Caldwell and Robeson counties. The clinics will remain closed Sunday and Monday. Caldwell County clinics will close at 1 p.m. Robeson County clinics will close at 4 p.m.
Most outpatient clinics will be closed Monday. Patients will hear from clinics about rescheduling appointments, and some providers may conduct virtual visits instead.
UNC Health hospitals and emergency departments will remain open.
The News & Observer‘s Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan, Anna Roman, Twumasi Duah-Mensah, Richard Stradling, Jadyn Watson-Fisher, Lexi Solomon, Tammy Grubb, Ethan Hyman, Jane Sartwell, Jordan Schrader and Thad Ogburn contributed to this report.
This story was originally published January 24, 2026 at 11:36 AM.
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