ENVIRONMENT

Carolinas Mobilize Ahead Of Major Weekend Ice Storm

PUBLISHED Jan 22, 2026, 11:26 AM ET

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Raleigh, N.C. — State officials in North and South Carolina activated emergency response preparations as a major ice storm approached this weekend. Governors Josh Stein and Henry McMaster declared states of emergency this week and mobilized transportation and emergency management assets. Departments of transportation pre-treated roads with brine, restocked salt, and staged equipment; South Carolina moved to OPCON 2 and authorized National Guard readiness. Forecasters warned freezing rain, sleet and ice could cause hazardous driving and widespread power outages beginning Saturday. Officials urged residents to stay home, gather supplies and prepare for outages. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Jan. 21–22: Governors Josh Stein and Henry McMaster declared states of emergency ahead of the storm.
Jan. 22: South Carolina Emergency Management Division raised readiness to OPCON 2 and activated emergency plans.
Jan. 22–23: State DOTs began pre-treating roads with brine and restocked salt supplies.
Jan. 23: SCDOT staged about 60,000 tons of salt and 1,200 pieces of equipment for 24-hour operations.
Jan. 24 (forecast): Meteorologists predicted freezing rain and ice beginning Saturday, with warnings of hazardous travel and potential widespread power outages.

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Who Benefited

Emergency managers, state Departments of Transportation, utility crews, and contracted response teams benefited from early mobilization, pre-staged equipment, and activated emergency plans that improve response times and resource allocation during the storm.

Who Impacted

Residents across affected areas—especially those in rural communities and with vulnerable power infrastructure—suffered increased risk of hazardous travel, property damage from ice-laden trees, and prolonged power outages due to the storm.

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