It appears another winter storm is headed our way, but hopefully this will be an all-snow event vs. the ice storm we experienced last weekend.
Alexander County will be under a Winter Storm Watch from Friday afternoon through Saturday night. Current forecasts indicate the potential for at least 2 inches of snow, with some scenarios showing higher totals if heavier bands develop. Snow impacts are expected to be greater across eastern North Carolina and the Piedmont, but even small shifts in the storm track could change local totals.
Snow is expected to begin Friday evening, generally between 5:00 and 9:00 PM, with impacts continuing through Saturday and into Saturday night. Gusty winds on Saturday may lead to blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel hazardous even after snowfall tapers off. Cold temperatures will allow snow to stick quickly to roads and surfaces.
Early next week, daytime temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-40s, helping melt existing snow and ice. However, overnight temperatures below freezing may refreeze moisture on roadways, increasing the risk of black ice during morning commutes.
Residents are encouraged to run errands today and Friday, as travel conditions are expected to deteriorate Saturday and Sunday. While widespread power outages are less likely with this system due to limited ice accumulation, cold temperatures and blowing snow may still create localized issues. Continue checking on friends, family, neighbors, and pets as conditions worsen.
A reminder for this storm: snow doesn’t have to be heavy to be dangerous. Light, dry snow combined with wind and cold can quickly erase tire tracks, hide icy spots, and reduce visibility — especially at night. If you must travel, give yourself extra time, slow down, and assume shaded roads and bridges are worse than they look.
If you can stay home, doing so helps emergency crews focus on those who truly need assistance.
Please continue to monitor the Alexander County website at https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026 and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/alexandercounty) for updates.
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.