5 Critical Ways Ice In Winston-Salem Can Impact Your Life This Winter (2025-2026 Outlook)
The threat of ice in Winston-Salem is a perennial winter concern that residents must take seriously, especially as the region enters the coldest part of the 2025-2026 season. While the immediate forecast for late December 2025 shows relatively mild conditions, the historical data and long-range outlook from the National Weather Service (NWS) confirm that freezing rain and black ice remain a significant risk for Forsyth County and the greater Triad area. Understanding the potential impact—from treacherous road conditions to widespread power outages—is the first step in ensuring your family’s safety and preparedness.
As of today, December 26, 2025, the focus for City of Winston-Salem officials and emergency personnel is on proactive preparation, ensuring that salt and sand reserves are stocked and that the 24-hour snow and ice control operations are ready to be activated at a moment’s notice. The following critical points detail exactly how ice events can disrupt daily life and what you need to do to mitigate the risks this winter.
The 2025-2026 Winter Outlook and Historical Ice Impact
The winter season in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is characterized by fluctuating temperatures that often create the perfect conditions for freezing rain and sleet, which are arguably more dangerous than heavy snowfall. The long-range forecast for January 2026 suggests very cold temperatures, with lows often dipping below freezing, which increases the likelihood of ice formation on roadways, especially during early morning and overnight hours.
Historically, the region is highly susceptible to devastating ice storms. For instance, a major ice storm in March 2014 caused massive destruction across the Triad, resulting in over 100,000 power outages that lasted for days in some areas. These events are a stark reminder that even a quarter-inch of freezing rain can be enough to bring the city to a standstill, toppling trees and downing power lines maintained by Duke Energy.
The City of Winston-Salem’s Department of Transportation maintains a rigorous Snow & Ice Control plan. When an event occurs, city personnel are split into two 12-hour shifts to run a continuous 24-hour operation until all primary and secondary streets are cleared. Key arterial roads prioritized for treatment include: Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Peters Creek Parkway, Robinhood Road, and University Parkway.
5 Critical Impacts of Ice on Winston-Salem Life
Ice events in the Triad pose a multi-faceted threat that goes beyond simple travel delays. Preparedness means understanding the full scope of the disruption.
1. The Invisible Threat of Black Ice on Major Roadways
Black ice is arguably the most significant driving hazard in Winston-Salem. It is a thin, clear glaze of ice that forms on the surface of roads, making it virtually invisible to the naked eye. It often forms on elevated surfaces like bridges and overpasses, which freeze faster than standard pavement.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) consistently advises drivers to assume all wet-looking surfaces are slick when temperatures are near or below freezing. Hasty School Road and other major thoroughfares can become instantly dangerous. The best defense is to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid using cruise control on any potentially icy road.
2. Widespread and Prolonged Power Outages
The weight of ice accumulation on trees and power lines is the leading cause of major power outages in Forsyth County. Even small events can cause hundreds of customers to lose power, but major ice storms can affect tens of thousands. When a major event hits, Duke Energy crews work tirelessly, but widespread damage can mean restoration takes several days.
The risk of power loss necessitates immediate preparedness. Residents are strongly advised by Forsyth County Emergency Management to install a carbon monoxide alarm on every level of their home, especially near sleeping areas, as improper use of generators or alternative heating sources during an outage is extremely dangerous.
3. Disruptions to Commuting and Essential Services
Icy conditions can rapidly lead to school closures for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools and delays for many businesses. Even with the City’s 24-hour clearing operations, secondary and residential streets take longer to treat, trapping many residents at home. Emergency services, while prioritized, can also be delayed by treacherous road conditions.
NCDOT’s official guidance during a storm is clear: "please stay home and off the roads." This allows plows and salt/sand trucks to work efficiently and reduces the risk of accidents that tie up first responders.
4. Increased Risk of Home Damage and Burst Pipes
Sustained freezing temperatures, which are common in the Winston-Salem winter, increase the risk of frozen and burst water pipes. This is a common and costly consequence of winter weather that can lead to thousands of dollars in home damage.
Home preparedness should include insulating outdoor spigots, wrapping exposed pipes in crawl spaces, and allowing indoor faucets to slowly drip during extreme cold snaps to relieve pressure in the lines. This simple measure can save homeowners from a major headache once the thaw begins.
5. The Need for a Comprehensive Emergency Supply Kit
The most critical impact of ice is the realization that you may be isolated for 24 to 72 hours. This is why having an up-to-date emergency supply kit is non-negotiable. The kit should include: non-perishable food and water for three days, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for NWS updates, blankets, a first-aid kit, and essential medications.
Furthermore, ensure your vehicle is also equipped with a basic emergency kit, including jumper cables, a bag of sand or cat litter for traction, and a warm blanket, should you become stranded during a black ice event.
Winter Driving Safety: How to Navigate Winston-Salem Ice
Driving on ice, especially black ice, requires extreme caution and a specific set of skills. The difference between a safe trip and an accident often comes down to awareness and technique.
Essential Black Ice Driving Tips:
- Slow Down: Reduce your speed significantly, as stopping distance on ice can be up to ten times greater than on dry pavement.
- No Cruise Control: Never use cruise control when there is a risk of ice. Losing traction while cruise control is engaged makes it much harder to regain control of the vehicle.
- Gentle Steering and Braking: Avoid sudden movements. If you hit a patch of ice and begin to slide, gently take your foot off the gas and steer smoothly in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Do not slam the brakes.
- Increase Distance: Maintain a significantly increased following distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
- Watch for Indicators: Look for visual cues of black ice, such as a slightly darker, duller look on the pavement, especially in shaded areas or on bridges.
The best advice from NCDOT and Forsyth County officials is always to monitor the weather forecast closely. If freezing rain or sleet is predicted, the safest choice is to stay home. By taking proactive steps now, Winston-Salem residents can minimize the disruptive and dangerous impacts of ice throughout the 2025-2026 winter season.
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