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A Tale of Two Carolinas: Ice Inland, Warm Air at the Coast. Join the Carolina Weather Group for a special Saturday evening live update as a major winter storm moves across North and South Carolina. Host Sam Walker, along with James Brierton in Charlotte and Frank Strait in Columbia, break down the incoming freezing rain, sleet, and massive temperature divides impacting the region on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
While the storm has slowed down due to a very dry air mass, a "big blob of junk" is moving in, bringing dangerous ice to the Piedmont and Upstate, and spring-like warmth to the Lowcountry.
❄️ Key Takeaways from Tonight’s Update:
The Delay Explained: The storm is moving slower than anticipated because a very dry air mass is evaporating the precipitation before it hits the ground, but dangerous ice is still on the way for the overnight hours.
Major Ice Threat: Areas along the I-85 corridor, Upstate SC, and the NC Triad/Piedmont could see a quarter to half-inch of ice accumulation.
Power Outages Looming: Anything above a quarter inch of ice will cause trees and power lines to come down. Duke Energy and out-of-town contractor crews are already staged and ready to respond.
Extreme Temperature Divide: We are looking at a 30-to-40-degree temperature difference across the states! Coastal areas like Charleston and the Outer Banks could see highs in the 60s and 70s with a risk of severe thunderstorms, while inland areas remain trapped in the 20s and 30s.
Monday Impacts: Travel will remain hazardous. School districts, like Rock Hill, are already moving to e-learning for Monday.
🔋 Last-Minute Prep Before Bed:
Charge all phones, tablets, and battery packs.
Run the dishwasher and put any wet laundry into the dryer while you still have power.
Turn your thermostat up a degree or two higher than normal to build heat in your home.
If you have a generator, ensure you use it safely outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
⏱️ Video Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction & Current Conditions
03:18 - Live Radar & Why the Storm is Delayed
05:38 - Winter Storm Severity Index & Impact Zones
10:55 - State-by-State Temperature Extremes
17:08 - mPing: How YOU Can Report Precipitation
36:35 - Power Outage Outlook & Duke Energy Prep
45:40 - Travel Hazards & School Closings
54:34 - Long-Range Models: Will there be another storm next week?
1:09:40 - Urgent Last-Minute Preparations Before Bed
📱 Connect with us: Don't forget to report your local weather conditions using the mPing app to help meteorologists get ground-truth data! We will be back Sunday morning at 9:00 AM for another live update.
Subscribe to the Carolina Weather Group for non-stop weather coverage across the Carolinas. Stay safe, stay warm, and stay dry!
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