NORTH CAROLINA — A powerful winter storm bringing ice, sleet, freezing rain and hazardous travel conditions has prompted numerous school closures, remote learning days and schedule adjustments across North Carolina for Monday, January 26, 2026. With slick roads and dangerous conditions expected to persist, districts from the mountains to the coastal plain are acting early to protect students and families.
Across the Piedmont and Triad regions, several systems have announced closures or modified schedules: Davidson County Schools, Davie County Schools, Lexington City Schools, Mount Airy City Schools, Rockingham County Schools, Stokes County Schools, Surry County Schools and Wilkes County Schools are all closed Monday due to inclement weather and unsafe road conditions.
In Guilford County, all traditional schools are closed Monday for a scheduled teacher workday — with early and middle colleges observing remote learning rather than in-person classes.
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools announced closures Monday and Tuesday, with all student activities and after-school programs canceled amid forecasted ice and cold.
In the Charlotte region, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and other local districts are also closing Monday due to icy conditions and accumulated ice on roadways, leading officials to urge families to avoid travel unless necessary.
Elsewhere in the state, several counties in both western and central North Carolina are shutting down schools Monday. Districts including Swain County Schools, Haywood County Schools, Macon County Schools, Jackson County Schools, Polk County Schools, Avery County Schools and Buncombe County Schools have announced closures, many citing black ice, frigid temperatures and storm impacts as the primary reasons.
In southeastern North Carolina, districts are also adjusting schedules: Cumberland County Schools will operate on an asynchronous remote learning day, Hoke County Schools will hold remote instruction, and Robeson County schoolsare closed Monday. Fort Bragg DoDEA schools also canceled classes.
Local officials continue to monitor conditions and remind families to check directly with their school districts for the latest updates, as additional closures or changes could be announced if weather conditions worsen.
