The Carolinas faced a severe winter storm on January 25, 2026, as a powerful system delivered a dangerous mix of sleet and freezing rain across the region. This weather event created hazardous conditions that triggered extensive power outages and challenged local infrastructure. Duke Energy, the main utility provider for millions in the affected area, reported a sharp increase in customer outages throughout the day as ice buildup intensified.
Meteorologists had predicted the storm several days ahead, but the actual ice accumulation proved severe. By early Sunday morning, ice began coating trees, power lines, and roads. Forecasters warned that the Charlotte area could see 0.5 to 0.75 inches of ice, with some spots receiving even more. This amount of ice creates tremendous stress on trees and electrical systems, causing branches to break and power lines to sag or snap.
The outage numbers climbed steadily throughout Sunday. Duke Energy warned early that disruptions would increase as the storm continued. By 11:30 p.m., the company's outage map showed over 42,200 customers without power. The worst damage occurred in Western North Carolina. Henderson County was hit particularly hard, with about 13,000 residents losing electricity as ice-heavy trees fell on power lines. In Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte, more than 600 customers were affected. While this seemed small compared to rural areas, urban outages often impact critical facilities and more people per incident.
Restoring power after an ice storm presents unique difficulties. Unlike thunderstorms that damage specific areas, ice storms create widespread problems across entire regions. The damage builds over time, with initial ice weakening structures that may fail hours later when more ice adds weight or wind picks up. This means new outages can happen even after the storm appears to be ending.
Duke Energy activated its storm response plan before the storm arrived. The company positioned repair crews, tree removal teams, and support staff at key locations. Additional help came through mutual aid agreements with utilities from other states. However, the ongoing storm sometimes made working conditions too dangerous, forcing crews to pause repairs.
Ice storm and winter storm warnings covered most counties on Sunday and continued into Monday. The long period of freezing temperatures meant ice would stay put, keeping pressure on infrastructure. Meteorologists explained that the atmospheric setup was perfect for freezing rain, with a thin layer of cold air near the ground trapped under warmer air higher up.
Both North Carolina and South Carolina governors declared states of emergency earlier in the week. These declarations activated emergency operations centers and allowed agencies to share resources more easily. Emergency officials stressed that residents staying off roads was crucial for letting utility crews reach damaged equipment safely.
The impact on roads was severe. Ice covered highways and side streets Sunday morning, creating extremely dangerous driving. Many accidents occurred, and some roads became impassable. These conditions threatened public safety and slowed restoration work since utility trucks faced the same hazards. Police and transportation officials repeatedly urged people to stay home.
Widespread outages create economic problems beyond inconvenience. Closed businesses lose income and may have spoiled inventory. Homeowners face food spoilage costs and possible property damage. Duke Energy spends heavily on overtime, equipment, and logistics during major storms.
Safety is a major concern with downed power lines. Duke Energy warned that any fallen line should be treated as live and deadly, even if it looks inactive. People should stay at least 30 feet away and report lines immediately rather than approaching them. Other dangers include electrified ground near fallen lines and lines that might suddenly spring up.
The company also advised preparing for long outages. Emergency kits should include flashlights, batteries, battery radios, non-perishable food, water, and medications. Generators must be used outdoors only, far from windows and vents, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Alternative heaters need careful monitoring and ventilation.
North Carolina's Department of Public Safety provides real-time outage information for all utilities in the state. South Carolina offers similar resources. These sites show county details and estimated restoration times. However, Duke Energy noted that ice storms make accurate predictions difficult because damage is so widespread and weather hazards continue.
The community response showed strong resilience. Neighbors checked on each other, especially elderly residents, and shared supplies. The Red Cross and local groups opened warming shelters for people without heat. Emergency services checked on vulnerable residents, including those who need electricity for medical equipment.
Looking ahead, forecasters said temperatures would stay below freezing through Monday morning, keeping ice on trees and lines. A slow warm-up was expected Monday afternoon, but melting ice could create new hazards as it falls. Utility officials warned that restoration would take time even after the weather improves.
Duke Energy's restoration plan focuses first on critical infrastructure like hospitals, emergency services, and water treatment. Then crews fix main lines serving the most customers before handling individual homes. This approach makes sense but can be frustrating for those waiting longest.
The company has invested in grid improvements like trimming trees near lines, replacing old wooden poles with steel ones, and using stronger wires. But major ice storms still test these upgrades, showing that no system can fully withstand nature's power. Each storm provides lessons for future improvements.
For updates, customers can check Duke Energy's outage map, sign up for text alerts, follow social media, or watch local news. The WBTV Weather app provides mobile alerts and forecasts, and the station's streaming app on smart TVs offers continuous coverage.
The January 25, 2026 ice storm will be remembered as a major event in Carolina weather history. It adds to the list of winter storms that have tested the region, like the 2002 ice storm and the 2014 event that paralyzed Atlanta. These storms reveal how Southern infrastructure struggles with winter weather and why community preparedness matters.
As climate patterns change and the Southeast sees more extreme weather, resilient infrastructure becomes more important. Duke Energy is exploring smart grid technology, automated switches, and burying key power lines. These investments cost a lot but should reduce future outages.
For now, Carolinas residents focus on immediate needs: staying warm, staying safe, and helping neighbors. Utility crews, emergency managers, and community members working together will eventually restore normal life, but the storm's effects will last for days.