A dangerous winter storm continues to impact North Carolina, creating widespread travel problems and unsafe road conditions across much of the state. Ice, sleet, and snow have covered thousands of miles of roadways, leading to hundreds of crashes in less than 24 hours, according to state officials.
The North Carolina winter storm stretched from the western mountains to areas east of Raleigh. Drivers across the region faced slick roads, poor visibility, and sudden ice buildup. Officials urged residents to avoid travel unless necessary.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol reported nearly 400 crashes by noon on Sunday. Troopers responded to incidents across multiple counties as vehicles lost control on icy roads. Despite the high number of crashes, officials confirmed that no deadly accidents had been reported by midday.
Crews also worked through the storm to clear abandoned vehicles. More than 300 cars and trucks were removed from interstates and major highways. Many drivers had been forced to leave their vehicles after getting stuck or sliding off the road.
Transportation officials said road conditions remained dangerous throughout the day. As of 3 p.m. Sunday, at least 25 counties reported that interstates, main roads, and secondary roads were covered with snow or ice. In many areas, roads appeared passable but remained extremely slippery.
While the storm caused widespread hazardous conditions, only a limited number of official road closures were announced. Transportation officials explained that many roads were still open but unsafe due to ice and slush that could not be fully cleared during the storm.
Several major crashes forced temporary closures on key highways. Interstate 26 near Henderson was closed Sunday afternoon following a crash that blocked lanes and slowed emergency response efforts. The closure caused delays for drivers traveling through the area.
Interstate 85 in Orange County also faced problems. A tractor-trailer flipped onto its side near mile marker 169 after hitting an icy patch. The crash closed the interstate for about two hours. Traffic resumed around 4:25 p.m. after crews cleared the wreck and treated the roadway.
In central North Carolina, another closure was reported on N.C. 42 near Clayton. Ice buildup made the road unsafe for travel, forcing officials to shut it down until conditions improved. Drivers were asked to find alternate routes and avoid unnecessary trips.
Emergency crews continued to monitor conditions across the state. Snowplows and salt trucks worked nonstop, but freezing temperatures limited how quickly ice could melt. Officials warned that shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses were especially dangerous.
Weather officials said the threat was not over. As temperatures drop overnight, melting snow and slush are expected to refreeze. This could create black ice early Monday morning, making roads even more hazardous for commuters.
State officials urged drivers to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking. They also advised keeping emergency supplies in vehicles, including blankets, water, and phone chargers.
Authorities reminded residents that conditions can change quickly during winter storms. A road that looks clear may still be covered with invisible ice. Officials said staying off the roads remains the safest choice until temperatures rise and crews can fully treat roadways.
The North Carolina winter storm has already caused major disruption, and recovery may take time. With more refreezing expected, officials continue to stress caution. Drivers are encouraged to check local conditions before traveling and to delay trips whenever possible.
As cleanup continues, state leaders said public cooperation is critical. Reducing traffic allows crews to work faster and helps prevent additional crashes. Officials said safety remains the top priority as North Carolina works through one of the season’s most dangerous winter weather events.