Updated: January 30, 2026 • Southern Pines
A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect for Moore County and the western Sandhills as a significant snow event moves in this weekend. Forecasters say heavy snow and strong winds could make travel very difficult or even impossible at times, especially late Saturday into early Sunday.
What We Know Right Now For Moore County & The Sandhills
- Headline: Winter Storm Warning for the Piedmont and western Sandhills, including Moore County.
- Timing: Friday afternoon through early Sunday morning.
- Snow totals: Several inches expected, with heavy snow and localized higher amounts possible.
- Wind: Gusty conditions can create blowing/drifting snow and reduced visibility.
- Primary concern: Road conditions — slick bridges/overpasses and hazardous travel during the peak of the storm.
Local Timing: When Impacts Increase
Snow chances increase late Friday night into Saturday, with the most impactful period expected Saturday afternoon into Saturday night. Even after the heaviest snow ends, temperatures will stay cold enough for refreeze, keeping roads slick into Sunday morning.
Sandhills Travel Advisory: Roads to Watch First
If you must travel for essentials, use extra caution on bridges, overpasses, and shaded secondary roads. In the Sandhills, the highest-risk corridors often include:
- US-1 through Southern Pines and Aberdeen
- US-15/501 between Pinehurst, Aberdeen, and toward Carthage
- NC-22 around Carthage and connecting routes
- NC-211 and NC-690, especially on less-treated stretches
For the most up-to-date road conditions, use NCDOT’s 511 system and DriveNC resources before you go.
Power + Safety: What to Do Now
- Finish preparations by Friday evening: charge devices, stock basics, and plan to limit travel.
- Prepare for spotty outages: gusty winds and snow load can bring down limbs and lines in isolated areas.
- Cold danger is real: wind chills may drop sharply, so limit time outside and dress in layers if you must go out.
- Vehicle kit: if you must drive, keep a flashlight, food, and water in your car in case you get stranded.
Closings, Delays, and Local Updates
Star 102.5 will continue bringing you Sandhills weather updates throughout the storm, along with any closings, delays, and schedule changes as they come in.
Stay safe and stay up to date online at Star1025FM.com.
Source notes: National Weather Service advisory products for Moore County (NCZ075) and regional coverage updates from WRAL Weather.
