ABC11 Eyewitness News - Eyewitness News at 6pm - February 1, 2026

Episode Date: February 1, 2026

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Right now, live coverage from your local news leader, investigating new information tonight, and your first alert forecast. Here's what's happening where you live. This is ABC 11 eyewitness news. And right now on eyewitness news at 6, the latest on the winter storm, blanketing our entire viewing area from east to west, the weekend winter storm bringing some snowfall totals we rarely see here in central North Carolina. In Raleigh, the bone-chilling temperatures and snowy conditions didn't stop people from getting out and about today. Bundled up, folks in the capital city were putting on all their gear as they braved the cold weather to try to get wherever they needed to go. And the heavy snowfall leading to some slick road conditions, something we all need to be aware of. Check out this big rig. It overturned on I-95 in Johnston County today because of those slick conditions.

And now we need to be worried about black ice overnight tonight and into tomorrow. Hi everyone. Thanks for joining us here for eyewitness news at 6. I'm Steve Daniels. And I'm Lauren Johnson. The winter storm may have passed us, but the bitter cold has stuck around. Temperatures are still lingering. A winter weather advisories in effect through tomorrow morning, making today and tomorrow, first alert day. And we're also tracking the impact of the storm. Some parts of the state getting anywhere from 11 to 14 to 16 inches of snow. Several school districts are closed tomorrow, including Wake, Durham, and Orange County schools. And the Highway Patrol is reporting more than 1,000 crashes. Sadly, two of them were fatal in Robeson and Rutherford County. There are roughly 1,400 Duke Energy customers across North Carolina without power right now.

At least 200 of them are in Raleigh right near the NC State campus along Hillsborough Street. And Duke Energy is now asking us all to conserve energy between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. tomorrow. They're concerned about the strain on the power grid. And tonight we have live team coverage. Our crews are spread out across the viewing area, tracking the latest conditions, talking with people who are following the storm. Some even seeing snow for the first time. Let's start, though, with meteorologist Cruz Medina and the first alert forecast in our high cruise.

Hi there. Yeah, it was nice to see all of those snow pictures that you all have been sending in today. And it was obviously a pretty cold day, but that didn't stop people from getting outside. I will say tonight it's going to get very cold. So tipters go all the way down into the teens tonight. And why that's important, not just because it's cold, we had some melting of the snow today. So tipters did get briefly above freezing with it falling into the teens tonight. Any wet spots on roads, sidewalks, bridges, overpasses, those things cannot be trusted because it's going to lead to hazard. travel. So tomorrow morning could be a busy commute. Just keep that in mind. Slick spots are likely through your morning commute tomorrow. Now check this out. This is the snowpack across the United States right now and check out how much of the east is actually included in this. And this includes parts of the southeast. Our state included. All 100 counties in North Carolina got snow yesterday and we hadn't seen that since December 25th and 26 of 2010. So remarkable storm that moved through our area. Obviously some of you got less than others, but that snow lingered through today with the cold conditions.

And now tonight as tipters are dropping below freezing at this hour, beware of those slick spots. So into the rest of this evening, you're stepping out to walk the dog. Careful on the sidewalks or the streets. Tipters go down into the 20s for this evening and teens as we go into tomorrow morning. These are your morning tipters you're waking up to. You'll want to be bundled up with those teens stepping out the door. And by the afternoon, thankfully we're above freezing tomorrow. So that should help to lead to more melting.

But tomorrow night could go below freezing again. We'll talk about much warmer temperatures coming up in your seven-day forecast. Steve. Slightly warm. Okay, Cruz, thanks. I know this is great news for the kids because the fun outside and the snow for them will continue tomorrow. Many school districts across the area canceling class tomorrow or giving the kids remote learning days because of the weather. So Wake, Durham and Orange County schools are closed tomorrow.

Cumberland County Schools will be asynchronous hernett, Johnston County and Wilson County Schools will all operate on a remote learning schedule. ABC 11th, Tom George is in Wake County. tonight. He's joining us live outside Moore Square Magnet Middle School in downtown Raleigh, where there's a lot of fun happening over there, Tom. And the kids are telling you they've got plans for Pop-Tarts sleeping in and playing in the snow tomorrow. I know that sounds like a plan, right? The fun are going to continue tomorrow officially when again, Wake County closing school tomorrow. And we want to kind of show you why. So this is downtown Raleigh. A lot of the roads are back open, but you see pockets like this that are still kind of slushy. So right here, this is

actually right in front of the school. This is this would normally be the bus lane. People would be dropping off their kids here. You can still see though very rough conditions out there. We actually saw some cars slipping and sliding. So obviously that is why they decided to play it safe to make sure that school was going to be canceled for Wake County tomorrow. But hey, the kids are excited about it. We were over at a Dick's Park at the sledding hill a little bit earlier talking to students and parents. They were obviously very excited about it. Parents were actually excited about this too. Of course, last week is when we saw that remote learning and parents say, hey, if the kids are going to be at home anyway, they'd rather just go all in on having the

day off so they can enjoy it. I think it's just if it's snow day, just be all in, you know, and not do half and half. I think that the kids appreciate that and, you know, sometimes inconvenient, but that's, it's good for the family, you know, to have that good time together. That's right. What else can you ask for? And because it is a full closure, day. They will have to make it up later. But hey, that's a problem for down the road. Tomorrow, they get the whole day off to go out and enjoy and have fun and make those memories. And I'm maybe sleep in and have some Pop-Tarts, guys. Yeah, I know the kids will have fun tomorrow. And I'm glad you showed us that street there in downtown rally because we're going to be below freezing coming

up in the next hour or so all night long. So black ice is a big concern later tonight and into tomorrow. That's why they don't want the buses on the road tomorrow. Tom, thanks. Tonight we're learning more about an emergency rescue and carry after two people. were rescued from a pond. It happened just after 1230 this afternoon on Keneef Lane near Green Level Road in West Kerry. Investigators say a 59-year-old man jumped into the pond after he saw a 10-year-old boy fall through that icy pond. The man and the young boy both had to be rescued. They were taken to the hospital, but they are expected to recover. First responders reminding parents and children do not walk out on the ice. We need parents and children to know

that while that ice might look solid, the facts are that it's not. And they can go through that ice. It's much thinner than it looks. Today's incident comes after an 11-year-old boy fell through the ice at Womble Park in Holly Springs. Yesterday, officials say the child was checked out and reunited with his parents. And state leaders are also warning us not to ever walk out on the ice. Many ponds, lakes, and creeks have ice on them. The ice cannot support the way to of a person or a pet. Please stay off the ice. It can be a deadly situation if you fall into the water right now with the water and air temperatures as they are. Please take a moment to speak with your children about this important topic. And Governor Stein also asking drivers to stay off the roads.

He says we are not out of the woods yet. He is concerned about black ice and he wants crews to have the space to clear the roadways and put that salt and sand down so we have the traction we need. We're also talking to people in our local hospitals about the injuries they are seeing Now people slipping and falling during the winter storm. Yeah, while playing in the snow may be fun. Those icy conditions can really earn you a trip to the emergency room. Duane Hogarth joins us now from Durham.

Dewan doctors talking about the potential dangerous from this winter weather. Yeah, Lauren, and they're already starting to see some of that. I spoke with the physician over that the emergency department at UNC hospitals. They tell me that they've already seen a couple dozen injuries so far from slips, falls and other weather related injuries from this weather that they're seeing.

They're also telling me that they expect see more pediatric cases start coming into the ER within the next few hours and even coming days because of all of the snow and it melting in the black ice that we do see here. Duke Health, they also tell me that they've seen roughly 60 people being treated for falls within the past 48 hours alone. I want to go ahead and show you some video that we've had a chance to film just a little bit earlier today. With that snow also comes the ice here, which can lead to hazardous conditions and even the potential for injury. I want you to go ahead and take a look around the Brightleaf neighborhood here in Durham. You'll find stairs leading up to homes, even apartment complexes. You'll likely

see people out walking their dogs, perhaps playing out with their kids while the snow is even out. And Dr. Avi Matured with UNC hospitals, he's telling me he's urging caution when folks go out into the snow just to prevent injury and to keep in mind that other people, you want to keep other people in mind who might also need help in your neighborhood. The biggest thing is preparation as you're out there and then checking on your your neighbors and watch your footing. Now, even though urgent care locations across the three major health systems are only seeing virtual patients, UNC hospitals, they tell me that the emergency department is still at this

hour experiencing normal wait time. So if you have a reason to go to the emergency department, whether it be Duke, Wake Met or UNC Hospital, at least at UNC, they're experiencing normal wait times at this immediate hour. We're live in Durham. Dewan Hoggard, ABC 11, eyewitness news. your footing. We heard the dock. All right, Dewan, thank you. Right now, the winter weather continues really impacting flights all across the country,

including right here at the RDU airport. Today, airlines have cancelled 78 flights. 78 flights have been delayed. If you have travel plans, make sure you check your flight status before you go to the airport. And the major disruptions also continue at the Charlotte Airport. According to Flight Aware, they've had more than 800 cancellations and 240 delays at that major hub for American Airlines. Still ahead here on IWitness News, parts of eastern North Carolina getting some pretty significant snowfall. It's a rare treat. It's really beautiful snow. And we will take you to Tarboro where people are out there enjoying the winter weather.

And we're learning more about President Trump's immigration crackdown. A five-year-old boy and his father who were taken into custody are now back in Minneapolis after being released from a detention center in Texas. Reaction from the Trump administration when we return. Did you know that Staples Professional can tailor a custody? program to make running your business easy. With a Staples Professional account, you get one vendor, one delivery, and one invoice for all your must-haves, from tech to cleaning supplies, and dedicated support from Staples experts who guide you on everything, from product selection and ordering to payment. Join today at staplesprofessional.ca and get expert solutions

tailored to your business. That was easy. Everyone needs help with something. If investing is your something, We get it. Co-operators' financial representatives are here to help with genuine advice that puts your needs first. We got you. For all your holistic investment in life insurance advice needs, talk to us today. Cooperators, investing in your future together. Mutual funds are offered through Cooperators Financial Investment Services Inc. to Canadian residents except those in Quebec in the territories. Segregated funds are administered by Co-operator's Life Insurance Company. Life Insurance is underwritten by Cooperators' life insurance company. A Johnson County is recovering after she was hit and dragged by a truck.

It happened last night in the intersections of Lizzie and Seller Streets in Selma. Officers say they found the woman laying motionless covered in snow. When the officer got out to help the woman, a pickup truck, approach the intersection. Police tried to stop that truck. The truck did not initially stop, but then drove forward, hitting and dragging the woman. She was taken to the hospital and is expected to be okay. The case is under investigation, but at this time, no charges have been filed. New tonight, a five-year-old boy and his father who are asylum seekers in this country are back in Minneapolis after they were detained by federal agents last week and sent to a detention facility in Texas.

A federal judge ordered their release as their immigration case proceeds through the courts. Liam Canejo Ramos and his father have been detained for more than a week after they were taken by immigration agents from their driveway in Minneapolis. The Department of Homeland Security says ICE did not target or arrest a child. They say the father told officers he wanted Liam to remain with him when age. agents arrested him. Deputy Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, says the Trump administration will appeal that judge's decision. Now let's check in with Lindsay Davis at ABC News headquarters in New York. Lindsay has a preview of what's coming up next on World News Tonight. Tonight ABC News with exclusive images of the five-year-old and his father returning home to Minneapolis.

Also, the Epstein files a new pressure on former Prince Andrew. And after snow and ice from Florida to Virginia, another Arctic blast is on the way. Still ahead. Our first alert day coverage news. We're going down to the sand hills where people there are also seeing significant amounts of snow. Yeah, Jemise Price, standing by live with more on the current conditions and how people have been spending their snow day. We'll see in a minute, Janice. This is a live... At Medcan, we know that life's greatest moments are built on a foundation of good health, from the big milestones to the quiet winds. That's why our annual health assessment offers a physician-led full-body check-up that provides a clear picture of your health today and may uncover early signs of

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Start now at Wealthsimple.com. Look tonight at Snow Covered Fayetteville. Steve just gave me a tour of this picture here. This is Hay Street right here. And then our studios are right there. Look at that. Cumberland County Emergency Management continues monitoring the impacts of the ongoing winter weather across the area. You can see still snow covering Hay Street there.

County offices and facilities are closed tomorrow, including the courthouse, and it will be a remote learning day Monday for Cumberland County students. Jemise Price is live in Fayetteville tonight with a look at the conditions there tonight. Jamis, still very chilly and I see a lot of snow still on the ground. Hey, Lauren, yes, certainly very cold out here. It's certainly something to keep in mind. These temperatures are bitterly cold here and can be dangerous. So there are two warming stations set up, Cornerstone Empowerment. Center as well as the Salvation Army of the Sand Hills. Now folks taking advantage of this snow day they are layered up they are out here at Rowan Park here. I want you guys to see what's left of the folks who are here is dark right now but there's still folks who have their snowboards they have their sleds out here as well. You know it is a big tradition to go a sledding here at Rowan Park if there is a snow day and a lot of folks took advantage of this tradition. The kids and kids at heart take a listen.

It's so much fun. It's exhilarating. It is. I still got a lot of kid in me. You just got to keep the kid in you alive, you know? Like most people like get old and forget that that's like part of life, but you never, you can never stop. Now a lot of folks got creative going down this hill at Rowan Park. At one point there were pool inflatables, even an air mattress going down the hill. So a lot of folks really just having fun with this snow day taking advantage of the snow. And I met a lot of folks. This was their very first snow. day so a lot of first happening here in Fayetteville Lauren and Steve it's the first one I've ever heard of an air mattress on the snow but yeah a lot of creativity when it comes to having fun outside jemise thank you all right let's take you east of the triangle now to edgecom County and the snowstorm dump between seven and eight inches there on the city of Tarboro some people tell Cindy Bay the significant snowfall is a rare treat for them

it feels like a winter wonderland in the town of Tarborough where some say the volume of snowfall is rare. It's a rare treat. It's really beautiful snow. Blankets of snow covered the streets of downtown where it was silent and businesses were closed. Meanwhile, crews were working to clear the main roads. It seems like the roads been their treatment has been successful and the plowing is already ahead of the game, which is great. As many people stayed warm inside, local mechanics took the opportunity to help their neighbors with their cars, Bo Andrews, telling eyewitness news about some of the common winter car problems. I get a lot of breaks and a lot of ordinary and battery this time of the year.

And his advice, besides avoiding unnecessary travel in the winter, make sure you got a good battery, puts an antiphrase in. Cindy Bay, ABC 11, eyewitness news. Those icicles tell the story there in Tarboro. And that's why Cruz is calling this North Carolina right now. It is. That's what it feels like for sure outside. It's been so cold.

I'm grateful that the winds are kind of relaxing a little bit because the wind chills this morning. They were brutal. I had to go pick up my dog. I felt every bit of that. It's going to be cold tomorrow morning, too, just minus the wind. And so we were telling you at the start of the newscast that tomorrow there is that black ice potential. So watch out for the slick spots during your morning commute. We've extended that first alert day through at least the morning commute and then we'll adjust as needed.

So tomorrow, the good news is by the afternoon we should be above freezing, middle to upper 30s. And then it keeps going up from there. And like my colleague said earlier, slightly better tipter's with us reaching into the 40s. So at least above freezing as we go forward. Let me take you outside. This is North Hills. Beautiful sunset in progress,

but I promise you, it is cold out there. Tipter is only at 33 degrees in Raleigh right now, 29 in Sanford and 30 for Roxborough and Lewisburg. This is just the start of the cold. It just keeps going down tonight. So we're going all the way down into the teens. And so tomorrow morning you're going to wake up.

It's going to be bright and sunny. it's also going to be very cold. So bundle up tomorrow. You'll want the thick winter jacket, maybe a few layers as well. And then by the afternoon, that's when we start to see at least some improvement. And that's because temperatures jump just above freezing by a few degrees.

So middle to up for 30s tomorrow with lots of sunshine tomorrow night. With a clear sky, we could see some fog develop. Tipters then will be below freezing. So if that does indeed happen, that could lead to some slick spots again on a Tuesday with that freezing fog. And then by the afternoon, just a few clouds moving on in. and tipters could be near 40 degrees in many locations as our winds turned back out of the south. So a recap here. The rest of your evening, very cold. You're stepping out for dinner soon, walking the dog, any of those things. Watch out for the slick spots on sidewalks,

obviously roads, any wet spots that were left on the roads today, those could refreeze. And that'll be a problem for you in the morning. So if you are someone who has to commute early tomorrow morning, just be aware of those slick spots. And then by the afternoon, we should start to see some of that melting of the snow. as temperatures jump above freezing. Now through the middle of the week, we've got another system moving in. This one ahead of it is going to be warmer. So winds are out of the south, pushing us into the 40s. This will bring us a cold rain Tuesday night into Wednesday, Wednesday night and into early Thursday. There could be a few flakes on the backside. That said, it's just that. It's just a few flakes. And after that, that will actually bring in another bout of cold air that could last well into the middle of this month.

So just a heads up, winter is not done with North Carolina just yet. First alert seven-day forecast shows the 40s going down into the 30s again by Thursday. That's once again going to be another chilly day. Forties again briefly Friday and Saturday. And then we see another cool down as we go into next week. Hey, stay with us. We're back after a quick break. With Amex Platinum, you have access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide.

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Shop L'Oreal-Paris Panorama Mascara on Amazon now. You've got the best seat in the house for snow coverage across the viewing area. That's right. about our Chopper 11 tour. Here's Barbara Gibbs with a bird's eye view of all the snow that we're seeing across central North Carolina. Chopper 11 capturing the winter blanket covering our viewing area. Interstates, cities, towns, universities, schools, neighborhoods, apartment complexes, all under a dazzling wonderland of snow. And this, for many, a welcome site, trucks and plows trying to clear a path.

While for others, this a welcome site, a rare chance to play and sled and wipe out and sled make snow angels play ball with the pups and sled a little bit more. And with many school parking lots in our area looking just like this one, getting back to class may take some time and patience. Barbara Gibbs, ABC 11, eyewitness news.

I don't think the kids will mind it. They'll take the time, right? A lot of fun. And a lot of work being done to clear our roadways. Very true. We know a lot of you are having a good time. Look at the dogs too. Cruz says he's seen 300 pictures and videos today. A lot of you. Thank you so much. And thanks for watching here at 6 o'clock. We'll see you back here tonight for eyewitness news at 11. Good night.