Bundle up, we’re in for a frosty start to the weekend. Wintry weather is coming to the Queen City, with the first signs of precipitation are expected to move in around 2-3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10 + a wintry mix lingering overnight and into Saturday morning. With a 60-80% chance for 1-3 inches of snow in Charlotte, we want to make sure you’re prepared for what’s to come.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning for Mecklenburg County beginning Thursday, Jan. 9, and ending Saturday morning, Jan. 11.
📚 Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools moved to remote learning on Friday — students received assignments to be turned in Monday, Jan. 13, and will not need to log onto devices for live instruction. After-school activities and athletic events have been canceled.
Forecast for the next 48 hours. | Giphy courtesy of NOAA.
🔌 Utilities
Duke Energy activated emergency response protocols, positioning teams to respond to any outages and ice accumulation.
If you lose power, you can report the outage through Duke’s website, text OUT to 57801, call 800-769-3766 and track current power outages. Check the NWS’s tips for staying safe.
With freezing temperatures, there’s a potential for frozen pipes. Charlotte Water recommends taking steps to prepare your pipes now.
Public trees are maintained by the city’s Landscape Management group. Should trees or limbs fall near you, call 911 immediately. If it’s not an emergency, call 311 or use the CLT+ mobile app.
🚙 Travel
For anyone traveling through Charlotte Douglas International Airport, keep an eye on your flight status. The airport is prepping snow teams and nearly 40 snow removal and de-icing vehicles before the winter weather arrives. Watch how they work.
If traveling by car, NCDOT and Charlotte DOT is brining roads and will continue to monitor conditions, updating this map with snow and ice conditions. They recommend traveling cautiously or staying home.
If you plan to hit the road, be on the lookout for black ice. The US Forest Service posted these tips on how to navigate the roads safely.
🛒 Grocery stores
Stores like Harris Teeter and Food Lion should remain open through the storm. Be sure to call your local stores if you’re unsure.
Duke Energy and the NWS suggest purchasing bottled water and nonperishable food just in case ice knocks the power out.
🌡️ Warming centers
Charlotte-area homeless shelters will be increasing capacity through Sunday, Jan. 12 + CATS will be transporting individuals to these shelters free of charge.
🗓️ Closures and postponements
The Gem Theater will be closed Friday due to the storm.
Independent Picture House postponed its monthly Saturday Cartoons event + the Carolina Raptor Center rescheduled its Bird-day Party event for Saturday, Jan. 18.
🧩 Indoor activity ideas
Consider spending time indoors by reading, catching up on your favorite shows, watching a movie, or finding new local podcasts.
If you feel its safe to drive, consider visiting local museums, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and restaurants.
If you plan to head to any events or businesses around the Queen City, check the establishment’s social media account for updates.
Here’s the good news: Conditions will clear up by Saturday afternoon, so don’t panic.
