Winter Storm Fern Spares Lewisville and Clemmons from Severe Impact

Downtown Winston-Salem - Photo by David Swift

Winter Storm Fern, which had been forecasted to bring significant snow and ice to the Triad region, passed through Lewisville and Clemmons with less severity than expected. Residents in these areas reported minimal disruptions, with only light snow accumulations and isolated power outages.

In preparation for the storm, the Village of Clemmons declared a state of emergency on January 23, 2026, to mobilize resources and ensure public safety. This proactive measure allowed local authorities to coordinate effectively and respond promptly to any issues arising from the weather conditions.

Duke Energy had stationed approximately 400 bucket trucks and thousands of crew members at the Four Seasons Centre in Greensboro, ready to address potential power outages across North Carolina. As of 1:00 a.m. on Monday, January 26, the company reported 963 active outages affecting nearly 40,000 customers statewide. Notably, only a dozen of these outages were reported in the Triad area, indicating that Lewisville and Clemmons were largely spared from the storm's more severe impacts.

Logan Stewart, a spokesperson for Duke Energy, emphasized the importance of having crews on standby, stating, "We want them on standby if we do have a sudden barrage of outages." She also highlighted the dangers posed by worsening driving conditions, noting that vehicles running off the road into power lines have become a significant concern during winter storms. "Even without a storm like this, cars hitting poles is one of our leading causes of outages," Stewart said. "Just hitting one pole can knock a lot of customers out of power, and of course, we want everyone driving to be safe."

While the storm's impact was less severe in Lewisville and Clemmons, other parts of North Carolina experienced more significant effects. The mountainous regions and rural areas faced substantial ice accumulation, leading to downed tree limbs and power lines. Duke Energy officials reported that restoration efforts were prioritized, focusing first on critical facilities such as hospitals and 911 centers, followed by main power lines serving neighborhoods.

Residents in Lewisville and Clemmons expressed relief that the storm did not cause major disruptions. Many took the opportunity to enjoy the light snowfall, while others appreciated the swift response from local authorities and utility companies. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools are out today and tomorrow as of Monday afternoon.

As Winter Storm Fern moves out of the area, Duke Energy crews stationed in Greensboro are expected to remain on standby into Monday morning to address any lingering issues. Customers who experience power outages are encouraged to report them through the company's website, by texting the word OUT to 57801, or via the mobile app. Additionally, residents can call Duke Energy at 800-769-3766 to report outages.

Officials continue to encourage residents to stay informed by signing up for storm tips, which offer outage alerts, live outage maps, and professional storm preparation guidance as winter conditions persist.