North Carolina – Wind-driven snow skims across roads, tree limbs creak, and headlights reflect off icy pavement as winter tightens its grip across central North Carolina. Even light snow sticks quickly in this cold, and travel conditions deteriorate fast before sunrise.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Piedmont, including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding counties, through early morning. Additional snow up to one inch is possible, with winds gusting near 35 mph. An Extreme Cold Warning also remains in effect, with wind chills as low as 5 degrees below zero across much of central North Carolina.
Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, are expected to remain slick and hazardous. Travel may be very difficult along I-40, I-440, I-85, and secondary roads through the Triangle. Motorists are urged to delay travel when possible and keep emergency supplies in their vehicles.
Temperatures recover only slightly later today, reaching near 30 degrees under partial sunshine. That brief warming sets up another problem. Melted snow and slush will refreeze quickly after sunset, increasing the risk of flash freezing across untreated surfaces.
Cold remains the dominant story through midweek. Monday brings sunshine and highs near 40, followed by a calm but cold night. By Tuesday and Wednesday, milder air pushes in with highs in the mid-40s, but rain chances increase. Any moisture falling late Tuesday night or Wednesday night could mix with snow as colder air returns.
The broader pattern stays active into the first week of February, with sharp temperature swings and additional systems possible. Protect pets, check on neighbors, and safeguard exposed pipes. More advisories may follow as conditions evolve.
How are road conditions where you are this morning?
Five-Day Outlook for Raleigh, NC
- Today: Partly sunny, windy, high near 30°F
- Monday: Sunny, high near 40°F
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, high near 45°F
- Wednesday: Cloudy, chance of rain, high near 46°F
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 40°F
