Brittany Van Voorhees: Stay Weather Impact Alert for weekend ice storm

Recent Changes as of Jan. 23, 2026:

Shifting North: As warmer air moves in aloft, the heaviest snow potential is being shunted further north. This will give a chance for snow in the Mountains and that is it.
Totals: Chance of sleet has risen to 1-3" across the Charlotte area.
Moisture: Regardless of the final "type" of frozen precipitation, the storm contains high moisture content, ensuring significant impact.
Ice and Sleet Potential
High Confidence for Ice: There is a 70–90% chance that total ice accumulations will exceed 0.25 inches across the Greater Charlotte area

Significant Accumulations: A moderate (50%) chance of ice totals exceeding a crippling 0.5 inches.

Sleet: Sleet probabilities have risen to likely for the Saturday evening-Sunday window which will mix between freezing rain through the worst of the event into Sunday morning.

The primary concerns for late Saturday through early Sunday are slick roads and power outages. Freezing rain accumulation on trees and power lines could cause scattered to widespread outages. If you have travel plans this weekend, now is the time to reconsider them. Plan to stay home if possible, and ensure you have an emergency kit ready with batteries and flashlights.

The storm departs by Monday, leaving us with clearing skies but deep cold, as highs remain in the upper 30s. Stay tuned for updates as we fine-tune the precipitation type and timing.

Post-Storm Danger: Frigid Temps
Extreme Cold: Following the storm, dangerously cold wind chills are expected Monday night into Tuesday.

Impacts: Mountain areas may see wind chills below zero, with teens expected elsewhere. This will likely cause any slush or melted ice to refreeze, extending travel hazards.

More from Brittany: wcnc.com/forecast