Bitter Cold and Icy Roads Impact the Sandhills on Groundhog Day

snow covered trees in ankara winter wonderland

Updated Monday, February 2, 2026 • Sandhills, North Carolina

A stretch of dangerously cold air continues to impact the Sandhills following the weekend winter storm, creating slick roads, hazardous travel conditions, and widespread closures across the region. Both the and area meteorologists warn that icy conditions may linger through the morning hours.

Current Weather Conditions

Skies are sunny across much of the Sandhills, but temperatures remain well below freezing early this morning. Wind chill values have dropped into the single digits, with some locations feeling closer to five degrees.

A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning, as leftover snow and moisture has frozen solid. Melting will be slow, and shaded areas may stay icy well into the day.

Roads and Travel

Roads, bridges, and overpasses across Moore County and surrounding areas are slick and hazardous, especially during the Monday morning commute. Officials urge drivers to slow down, allow extra following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel when possible.

Walking conditions are also dangerous in spots due to ice on sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways.

Extreme Cold Safety

A Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect through mid-morning, with wind chills as low as two degrees above zero. Prolonged exposure can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.

  • Dress in warm layers, including hats and gloves
  • Limit time outdoors
  • Keep pets indoors
  • Check on elderly neighbors and family members

Energy Conservation Requested

Due to high demand caused by the cold, Duke Energy is asking customers to voluntarily reduce energy usage Monday morning between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. to help protect the electric grid.

  • Lower thermostats to the lowest comfortable setting
  • Avoid using major appliances during peak hours
  • Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics
  • Charge electric vehicles later in the day when demand is lower

School Closures and Remote Learning

Due to icy conditions, nearly all major Sandhills school districts are operating on remote learning schedules or are fully closed today.

This includes remote or asynchronous learning days for Moore County, Cumberland County, Harnett County, Hoke County, Richmond County, Scotland County, and others. Lee County Schools are closed for a traditional snow day.

Parents and students are encouraged to check district websites and official social media channels for assignment details and updates for Tuesday.

ALL CLOSINGS & REMOTE OPERATIONS – MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2

Public School Districts

  • Cumberland County Schools – Asynchronous remote learning day; buildings and offices closed
  • Public Schools of Robeson County – Closed
  • Moore County Schools – Remote learning day; all sites closed
  • Harnett County Schools – Remote learning day
  • Hoke County Schools – Asynchronous remote learning day
  • Lee County Schools – Closed (traditional snow day)
  • Richmond County Schools – Remote learning day; buildings and offices closed
  • Scotland County Schools – Remote learning day; offices closed

Private & Charter Schools

  • Anderson Creek Academy Charter School – Remote
  • Ascend Leadership Academy – Remote
  • Berean Baptist Academy – Closed
  • Brookside Christian Academy – Closed
  • Capital Encore Academy – Closed
  • Cornerstone Christian Academy – Closed
  • Cumberland County Christian School – Closed
  • Fayetteville Academy – Closed
  • Fayetteville Christian School – Remote
  • First Impressions Academy – Remote
  • Freedom Christian Academy – Closed
  • Liberty Christian Academy – Closed
  • New Life Christian Academy – Closed
  • Northview Baptist Academy – Closed
  • Northwood Temple Academy – Remote
  • Riverside Christian Academy – Closed
  • Saint Patrick Catholic School – Closed
  • STARS Charter School – Remote
  • Village Christian Academy – Closed

Colleges & Universities

  • Fayetteville Technical Community College – Campus closed; remote learning
  • Fayetteville State University – Closed
  • Methodist University – Remote schedule; essential personnel only
  • Robeson Community College – Remote learning and workday
  • Sandhills Community College – Closed

Local Government

  • Moore County Government – All offices, landfill, collections sites, libraries, parks & recreation closed
  • Cumberland County Government – All offices and courts closed
  • Town of Hope Mills – All government operations closed

Military & Federal Facilities

  • Fort Bragg – Mission/Weather-Essential Employees Only
  • Fort Bragg Family & MWR – Facilities and events closed
  • Womack Army Medical Center – Clinics closed; Emergency Department remains open
  • DHR / Military Funeral Honors – Closed / Canceled

What Happens Next

Temperatures are expected to slowly recover this afternoon, with highs approaching 40 degrees. That should allow for some melting, but another cold night tonight will bring renewed refreezing into Tuesday morning.

A chance of rain arrives late Tuesday night into Wednesday, with no significant winter impact expected.

Star 102.5 will continue tracking Sandhills weather, road conditions, and closures throughout the day. Stay safe and stay up to date online at Star1025FM.com.

Sources: National Weather Service Raleigh, WRAL Weather, Duke Energy, local school districts

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