For cities such as Charlotte, “this could be the biggest snowstorm in decades,” according to AccuWeather.
AccuWeather map
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for Charlotte in advance of a weekend storm that could dump between two and seven inches of snow on the region.
The watch will be in effect from 4 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Sunday, when a dangerous combination of snow and brutal cold will settle over much of North Carolina, the National Weather Service says.
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the Charlotte area in advance of a weekend storm that could bring two and seven inches of snow to Charlotte region, the National Weather Service says. National Weather Service map
Delays are expected to mount at major airport hubs from Charlotte to Boston, and “travel along a portion of Interstate 95 may slow to a standstill in some areas,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Alex Sosnowski says.
“For cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina, this could be the biggest snowstorm in decades,” AccuWeather reported early Thursday.
“In Charlotte, the most recent benchmark storm was 3.5 inches on Jan. 17, 2018, and this weekend’s storm is well within reach. Going farther back, a storm in late February of 2004 was one of the biggest on record, with 13.2 inches falling. In late January of 2003, a storm brought 8.5 inches.”
Charlotteans have justifiably learned to doubt promises of snow in recent years, but multiple weather simulations now indicate Mecklenburg County will get “several inches” Saturday, forecasters say.
“Total snow accumulations between 4 and 7 inches east of I-26. Total accumulations between 2 and 4 inches across the remainder of the area. Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph,” the Winter Storm Watch states.
“Snow is expected to rapidly stick to roads and other surfaces due to temperatures in the 20s. Travel conditions could deteriorate rapidly as early as Friday evening. Very gusty winds on Saturday could result in areas of blowing snow, causing very poor visibility.”
The snow could start around midnight Friday (70% chance), and will continue through Saturday (100% chance) and into the night (70% chance), forecasters say.
Saturday’s high will be in the upper twenties, with a low of 10 degrees and a wind chill of minus 5 after dark.
Unlike the ice storm that hit Charlotte last Sunday, “this will be an unusually cold snow event,” resulting in a “very dry and powdery” snow, forecasters say. Powdery snow is great for sledding and skiing, and poor for making snowballs, experts say.
“The extreme cold and very windy conditions Saturday night – combined with the prolonged nature of the cold weather – will pose a threat to life,” the National Weather Service says.
“Wind chill of 0 to 5 below is currently forecast along and north of I-85, with low single digits south of there. … High temperatures Sunday will struggle to warm even with full sunshine. A lot of incoming solar radiation will go into melting snow and temperatures may struggle to reach freezing over much of the area.”
This story was originally published January 29, 2026 at 5:59 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.
