Hundreds of car crashes, thousands without power from winter storm in NC, Stein says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Officials warn storm persists; 8,000-9,000 power outages reported statewide.
- Transportation agencies report 339 abandoned cars, 400+ crashes; interstates reopened.
- NCDOT deploys 2,500 crews, 32,000 tons salt and 800,000 gallons brine.
North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein said the state is not out of the woods yet when it comes to the winter storm.
“Today’s ice accumulation on trees and power lines, along with strong winds, can cause more power outages,” he said during a virtual press briefing Sunday. There are already 8,000 to 9,000 outages, Stein said.
Road conditions are still icy.
“Again, please: Stay off the roads,” he said during a storm briefing at 11:30 a.m.
Vehicle collisions across the state
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.
The collisions have been widespread across the state, from the mountains to the coast, according to the State Highway Patrol. Both the collisions and another 400 calls for service have happened on all roadway types, including interstates and secondary routes, the Highway Patrol told The News & Observer.
“There have not been any weather related fatalities to this point, and we hope that continues on,” said First Sergeant Christopher Knox, a spokesperson for the Highway Patrol.
“The temporary interstate closures have been brief in nature and related to vehicles losing control and needing tow trucks to assist their removal,” Knox said.
Stein said the two main concerns on Saturday are the same for Sunday: power outages and road conditions.
“Black ice is going to stick around for a few days,” Stein said, with ice freezing overnight this week, and secondary roads in particular won’t be treated as quickly. He urged people to check on their neighbors.
Emergency Management Director Will Ray said the storm “will linger into early Monday morning.” A quarter of an inch of ice accumulation was reported in the mountains.
Freezing rain in Eastern North Carolina will turn into rain later in the day, Ray said, with the greatest storm effects being ice and dangerously cold temperatures overnight.
The N.C. Department of Transportation has 2,500 employees responding to the storm and spread 32,000 tons of salt by midday Sunday, as well as 800,000 gallons of brine on the roads.
NCDOT Secretary Daniel Johnson said drivers should use “extreme caution” if they venture out.
All rail travel has been canceled. Ferries have not been impacted by the storm, he said.
“We encourage people to stay home, stay off the roads and allow our folks to do their best to clear these interstates and other roads,” Johnson said.
This story was originally published January 25, 2026 at 12:34 PM.
