2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 - News from Orange County Emergency Services and Town of Carrboro 

Orange County Emergency Services and the Town of Carrboro are closely monitoring a large winter storm system that is expected to impact much of the Southeast, including Orange County, beginning early Saturday, Jan. 24. While there is still uncertainty about exact impacts, confidence is increasing that this will be a significant storm for our area.

What We Know Right Now

Very cold air will move in behind the storm, with wind chills expected in the single digits to low teens from Saturday through Monday. Forecast models indicate the potential for a moderate-impact winter event, with snow, ice, or a combination of both possible. Power outages are a realistic concern, especially if ice develops on trees and power lines.

What is Still Uncertain

The exact amount of snow and ice and where the heaviest impacts will occur. Small shifts in temperature could mean the difference between heavy snow or dangerous ice accumulation. We expect forecast confidence to improve over the next 24 to 48 hours.

What the County is Doing

Emergency Operations are being activated in phases to ensure we are ready before conditions deteriorate. We are coordinating daily with public safety agencies, utilities, human services, transportation, and community partners. We are preparing for the possibility of shelter operations, particularly for vulnerable and unsheltered residents. Public information is being coordinated to ensure residents receive timely and accurate updates.

What Residents Should Do Now

• Begin preparing today, not waiting until the storm arrives.
• Make sure you have enough food (including drinking water), medications, and supplies to last several days. 
• Plan for the possibility of power outages and ensure you have a safe way to stay warm.
• Please do not park in the street the night before snow is forecast. If you have a driveway, use it! This assists our hardworking staff operating snow plows. 
• Avoid unnecessary travel once conditions begin to deteriorate.
• Check on neighbors, especially seniors and those with medical needs.
• Visit www.readyorange.org for more preparedness tips and updates

Travel

If conditions worsen, travel could become dangerous or impossible for a period of time. Residents should be prepared for closures or disruptions to normal operations into early next week. Emergency services will remain operational, but response times may be impacted during peak storm conditions.

Our goal is to stay ahead of this storm and reduce risk to life and property, while ensuring residents have access to critical community lifelines. We will continue to adjust and update the public as forecasts become clearer. The most important thing residents can do is stay informed, prepare early, and follow guidance from trusted sources and local officials.

Resources for Residents 

• Sign up for OC Alerts - https://member.everbridge.net/453003085611768/login 
• Monitor the weather - https://www.weather.gov/rah/ 
• Ready Orange County NC Resources - https://www.orangecountync.gov/650/Disaster-Emergency-Preparedness 
• Ready Carrboro NC Resources - https://www.carrboronc.gov/2633/Emergency-Resources-Carrboro-Ready