Alert! Winter Storm Warning Issued for South Wake County including Holly Springs (NC), Apex, and Fuquay-Varina; What to Expect, What to do.
A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect from 4:00 p.m. Friday until 7:00 a.m. Sunday, with 5 to 8 inches of snow possible across much of the region.
Holly Springs, NC, Jan. 30, 2026 — Heavy snow expected Friday afternoon through early Sunday. Residents across South Wake County, including Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, and surrounding communities, should prepare for a significant winter storm expected to impact the area from Friday afternoon through early Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect from 4:00 p.m. Friday until 7:00 a.m. Sunday, with 5 to 8 inches of snow possible across much of the region.
What South Wake Residents Should Expect
Forecasters say snow will begin to develop late Friday and intensify through Friday night and Saturday, creating hazardous travel conditions across local roads and highways.
Key impacts include:
Snow-covered and icy roads, especially secondary roads
Bridges and overpasses will become slick first
Hazardous travel will exist Saturday into early Sunday
Possible travel disruptions lasting longer than a typical winter event
Because temperatures are expected to remain cold, snow and ice may linger well into Sunday morning, particularly in shaded or untreated areas.
Why This Storm Is a Concern Locally
South Wake communities don’t often see storms of this duration or accumulation. Even moderate snowfall can create outsized impacts due to:
Limited snow removal capacity on neighborhood roads
High commuter traffic on corridors like NC-55, US-401, and local collector roads
Refreezing overnight conditions
Officials caution that travel may become difficult or even impossible at times, especially late Saturday.
If You Must Travel
The National Weather Service strongly recommends avoiding travel if possible. If you must be on the roads:
Drive slowly and allow extra stopping distance
Avoid bridges and overpasses when possible
Carry an emergency kit including:
Blankets and warm clothing
Flashlight and phone charger
Water and snacks
First-aid supplies
Shovel and basic tools
What Residents Should Do Now
Complete errands before Friday evening
Charge phones and backup batteries
Bring pets indoors
Check on elderly neighbors
Monitor local government and school updates
Stay off the roads once snowfall begins
HSU will continue to monitor conditions and share updates on closures, road conditions, and local impacts as the storm develops.
Bottom line: If you’re in South Wake County, plan to stay put this weekend. This is shaping up to be one of the more impactful winter weather events of the season.