A winter storm watch is in effect Saturday through Monday for North Carolina, and the storm has the potential to bring as much as six inches of snow to parts of the state.
The mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain is expected to reach the Charlotte area early Saturday, but forecasters remain unsure about whether Mecklenburg and surrounding counties will see mostly snow or mostly ice.
The Winter Storm Watch covers a wide area of North and South Carolina. The storm is expected to arrive Saturday morning and linger through Monday. National Weather Service graphic
“Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 6 inches and ice accumulations between four tenths and one inch possible,” the National Weather Service reported Wednesday afternoon.
“Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Ice and snow covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. Widespread power outages are likely due to the weight of the ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines. The outages could last for days in some areas.”
Hazardous road conditions could impact the Monday morning commute, forecasters say.
The highest snow and sleet accumulations are expected north of Interstate 40. South of the interstate, sleet and ice are more likely, forecasters say. “This doesn’t mean snow won’t occur, but there is likely to be a transition from snow into the mixed precipitation,” the NWS said.
Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing on Saturday and Sunday.
The low Saturday night will be around 18 degrees, and there is a 100% chance of precipitation, forecasters say. Sunday has a 90% chance of precipitation, with a high of 29 degrees and a low of 21.
“This is shaping up to be the most impactful storm of the winter so far. Ice could bring down trees and power lines, potentially leaving hundreds of thousands of people without electricity and heat for several days,” AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a statement.
“Widespread travel disruptions are likely across the country this weekend. Icy and snow-covered roads could force highway closures lasting for hours. Thousands of flight cancellations are possible nationwide as snow and ice affect major airports, with delays and cancellations likely to ripple across the country.”
The National Weather Service is encouraging people in the path of the storm not to travel unless “absolutely necessary,” and to exhibit extreme caution when venturing outside.
The low Saturday night will be around 18 degrees, and there is a 100% chance of precipitation, forecasters say. Sunday has a 90% chance of precipitation, with a high of 27 degrees and a low of 20.
While temperatures will rise above freezing on Monday at 34 degrees, the low Monday night will be 9, forecasters say.
This story was originally published January 21, 2026 at 6:05 AM.
Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
Mark Price is a National Reporter for McClatchy News. He joined the network of newspapers in 1991 at The Charlotte Observer, covering beats including schools, crime, immigration, LGBTQ issues, homelessness and nonprofits. He graduated from the University of Memphis with majors in journalism and art history, and a minor in geology.
