Last updated: Sunday, January 25, 2026 10:32AM GMT
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Governor Josh Stein declared a State of Emergency as a potentially catastrophic ice storm is headed toward North Carolina this weekend.
Several weather alerts, including a Winter Storm Warning and a Winter Storm Advisory, will take effect on Saturday night and remain in effect until Monday afternoon.
In Central NC, you can expect moderate to heavy mixed precipitation, mainly sleet and freezing rain. There is a possibility of seeing snow in you are in the Piedmont.
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Roads, especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous. Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages.
Key Headlines
Here’s how the news is developing.
Raleigh police car involved in I-440 crash investigation
Part of I-440 was closed tonight after multiple cars including a Raleigh police car were involved in a crash.
Police tell us an officer was responding to a crash on I-440 westbound near the Wade Avenue exit when another car slid into the cruiser.
The officer is expected to be ok.
Weather is believed to have been a factor.
National Guard activated to assist during winter storm
The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) has mobilized resources across eastern, central, and western North Carolina in preparation to assist Emergency Management during the winter storm.
According to a news release sent by the NCNG, 454 personnel have been actived and 179 vehicles of all types will be used if necessary.
The mobilization includes
- NCNG teams equipped with High Mobility Multipurpose Wheel Vehicles capable of traversing hazardous conditions to augment emergency responders.
- Distribution teams to rapidly provide equipment and critical supplies to staging locations, ensuring continuity of communications and a sustained response effort.
- Maintenance and recovery teams capable of assisting the Department of Transportation.
The NCNG is assisting in ways beyond the physical space. Protecting and defending North Carolina’s digital infrastructure during natural disasters is a priority that has emerged since Hurricane Helene.
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In case of power outages, Duke Energy brings in extra manpower
State of Emergency declared in Durham County
Durham County has declared a State of Emergency ahead of the winter storm expected Saturday night through Monday morning.
“The latest forecasting indicates we will experience hazardous travel conditions, downed trees, and power outages during this period. The county encourages all of our residents to prepare accordingly and use caution until the event has passed,” Chair Dr. Mike Lee said.
At this time, no specific restrictions are included in the declaration.
You can read the declaration here.
