“It’s going to be a cold Saint Patrick’s Day tomorrow,” warned a local meteorologist as severe thunderstorms swept through Winston-Salem, North Carolina, on March 17, 2026. The area was hit with wind gusts reaching up to 60 mph, prompting officials to issue a tornado warning for both Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
Before the cold front moved in, temperatures in Winston-Salem were reported at a mild 64°F. However, the situation quickly changed as the storms rolled through, leading to a significant drop in temperatures. Residents can expect lows in the 20s for the next three nights, with a morning temperature of 29°F anticipated.
Wind advisories are currently in effect for counties along the North Carolina-Virginia border, where gusts of 50 mph have been recorded in Winston-Salem and up to 35 mph expected in the foothills. The severe weather has also resulted in a winter weather advisory for higher elevations above 3,500 feet, where snowfall totals of 1 to 3 inches are expected.
Despite the heavy rainfall, which was significant, it did not lead to flash flooding issues in the area. “If you’re waiting for somebody to come home, they might have a little bit of a wait here because those rains are coming down at a pretty good rate at the moment,” the meteorologist added, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by the weather.
As the storms continue to move through the region, residents are advised to stay alert. “We could still see a little line like we’re seeing right now that’s pushing up right across the triad proper as we go into the next hour or so,” the meteorologist noted, indicating that the severe weather might persist for a while longer.
The main threat for severe thunderstorms is expected to remain to the east for the moment, but the situation is being closely monitored. With the drastic change in weather, local authorities are urging residents to prepare for the colder temperatures and potential travel disruptions.
As Winston-Salem braces for the cold snap following the storms, community members are reminded to take precautions against the expected chill. The combination of severe weather and plummeting temperatures underscores the need for vigilance during this unpredictable season.