CARRBORO, NC -- (4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026 ) Wintry precipitation is expected to start Saturday with temperatures forecasted to fall below freezing and stay low until at least Monday afternoon. This could create potentially hazardous conditions and extended power outages. Stay informed about the forecast by checking updates from the National Weather Service’s Raleigh office ( https://www.weather.gov/rah/ ).
We urge all residents to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary.
How the Town Prepares
The town’s emergency management team has been coordinating town preparations, including scheduling additional staff to work as needed throughout the weather event. Public Works crews have been brining streets, and salting/sanding in key locations.
Beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday evening and continuing through 7 p.m. Monday, the municipal lot on the corner of N. Greensboro and Weaver streets will be closed to the public. Due to the storm, the lot is being reserved for Town vehicles. In the event of a power outage, Public Works staff will relocate to the Century Center, and the lot will be needed for the trucks.
- Please do not park vehicles on streets, and do not pass vehicles plowing snow or spreading salt or brine. Let’s support the difficult work of our Public Works crews as they prepare for and then respond to the storm.
- Property and business owners are responsible for snow and ice removal on sidewalks in front of structures they own or occupy and for their parking lots and driveways, where snow may accumulate due to plowing.
- Visit the town’s Winter Weather Response ( https://www.carrboronc.gov/1172/Winter-Weather-Response ) to see plowing guidelines and the town’s responsibilities.
How You Can Prepare
Prepare for prolonged disruptions in service by using the town’s Carrboro Ready webpage to help guide you. This includes ensuring that you have enough food, water, flashlights and other supplies and that you can safely use heating sources with proper ventilation to prevent fire or carbon monoxide hazards.
Know who provides services to your home. Information to help guide you is available on the Carrboro Ready webpage. Contact your private providers if you experience power and communications outages.
Keep your pipes from freezing by letting water drip slowly from interior water faucets on exterior walls and by insulating exterior faucets. A towel can be wrapped around exterior faucets to protect them. The Cold Weather Resources section on our Carrboro Ready page includes more tips and information on what to do if your pipes are frozen or have burst.
Traveling
We encourage the community to stay off roads during this weather event and until any accumulated ice melts. If you must travel, here are some safety tips:
- Dress in layers and limit prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
- Avoid unnecessary trips and allow extra time if you must travel.
- Assess conditions before heading out and use extra caution on hills and when approaching intersections. Conditions may change rapidly, especially on bridges and overpasses, in shaded areas, and during overnight and early morning hours when refreezing is most likely.
- Be aware of pedestrians and drivers.
- Carry a mobile phone in case of an emergency.
Emergency Shelters
Orange County will open a public shelter to support residents affected by the winter storm beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. The shelter will be located at Smith Middle School, 9201 Seawell School Road, in Chapel Hill.
Residents who are without power or otherwise impacted are encouraged to seek refuge at this facility.
Orange County shelters are open for anyone who is in need. We will not ask for proof of citizenship or identification to enter a shelter.
What to bring with you:
The shelter will have food, water, and basic necessities, but will not have easy access to medications or many other personal items. Please bring the following items with you:
- Prescription and emergency medications
- Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, and other comfort items
- Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you
- Books, games, reading materials or other things to pass time, especially for children
- Specialty items (walkers, canes, etc.), snacks, and non-perishable food for your specific needs
- While identification is not required, we strongly encourage you to bring important personal documents (IDs, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.) and medical information with you should these be needed for recovery purposes
- Do not bring weapons, illegal drugs, candles or valuables
- Smoking is not allowed inside the shelter
Pet Accommodations
- Pets are welcome at the shelter; however, the following guidelines apply:
- Pets may be housed in a separate area from their owners.
- Residents must bring proof of current, full vaccination for each pet.
- A photo of the owner with their pet is required.
- Residents should bring an adequate supply of pet food.
Transportation Assistance
Transportation to the shelter is available. Residents needing a ride should call 919-245-6111.
For questions about the shelter, call 919-245-6111. For official updates and additional instructions, visit the Orange County Government website at readyorange.org. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for OC Alerts at ocalertsnc.com.
Additional Shelter Information
The county maintains a registry ( https://orangecountync.gov/577/Special-Needs-Registry ; ) for individuals with special needs who may require assistance in the event of a disaster. Assistance includes information about how to prepare for or respond to an emergency, information regarding facilities or shelters, and a well-being check.
When temperatures drop below 32 degrees, the county typically opens a cold weather shelter in Chapel Hill for community members living unhoused. Those needing transportation to that shelter may contact the Orange County Street Outreach Team at 919-886-3351 by 6 p.m. for assistance.
