Sun Feb 01 13:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Historic Snowstorm Buries Charlotte Metro, Shattering Recent Snowfall Records
The Story:
A significant snowstorm struck the Charlotte metro area on Saturday, February 1, 2026, delivering snowfall totals not seen in recent years. The storm, which dumped heavy snow for hours across North and South Carolina, particularly impacted the Charlotte region. Officially, 11 inches of snow was recorded at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, tying for the fourth-highest single-day snow total in Charlotte history, equaling the December 29, 1880 storm. Some areas experienced even higher accumulations.
The contrast between this single event and recent winters is stark. The past decade averaged only 1.7 inches of snow per season, making this storm an exceptional occurrence. The National Weather Service reported the heaviest snowfall along I-85 in Cabarrus, Gaston, and Rowan counties, with Harrisburg recording 13 inches.
Key Points:
* 11 inches of snow fell at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, tying for the fourth-highest single-day total in Charlotte’s history.
* The heaviest snowfall occurred along I-85 in Cabarrus, Gaston, and Rowan counties, with some areas exceeding 13 inches.
* The last 10 years have averaged only 1.7 inches of snow per season in Charlotte.
* A ground stop was issued for American Airlines flights at Charlotte airport.
* Snow also fell in Myrtle Beach and Wilmington areas.
Key Takeaways:
* The February 1, 2026 snowstorm was a significant weather event, surpassing recent snowfall totals in the Charlotte metro area.
* The storm highlighted the variability of winter weather patterns in the region.
* Transportation was significantly affected.
First Piper 