Last Updated on January 26, 2026 1:22 pm
WataugaOnline Updates on the January 2026 Winter Storm impacts on western North Carolina
🌨️ WEATHER ALERT
– Winter Storm Warning for January 24-26, 2026 (Watauga and Ashe Counties) Click here
– Winter Storm Watch for January 24-26, 2026 (Avery County) Click here
– Ice Storm Warning for January 24-26, 2026 (Avery County) Click here
– Cold Weather Advisory for Avery County, January 25, 2026 Click here
– Extreme Cold Weather Watch for Watauga and Ashe Counties, January 26-27, 2026 Click here
🚨 EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS
– Governor Josh Stein: State of Emergency Declared
* Press Conference Click here
* More Information Click here
– Town of Blowing Rock: State of Emergency Click here
– Watauga County: State of Emergency for Severe Winter Weather Click here
– Town of Boone: State of Emergency Ahead of Severe Winter Storm Click here
– Town of Boone: State of Emergency Lifted, Monday Jan 26, 1 PM
– Watauga County: State of Emergency Ended, Monday Jan 26, 1 PM
🏫 CAMPUS & SCHOOL OPERATIONS
– Appalachian State University:
* Suspended Operations Jan 24-26
* Virtual/No In-Person Classes Jan 26 Click here
– Lees-McRae College:
* Virtual Classes Jan 23 and 26
* Residential Services Maintained Click here
🚗 COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS
– Blue Ridge Parkway: Completely Closed Click here
– Blue Ridge Energy: Technicians Ready for Potential Outages
* More Information Click here
* Updated Storm Readiness Click here
🏠 COMMUNITY RESOURCES
– Shelter Status:
* First Presbyterian Church (General Population Shelter): Closed Immediately
* Deep Gap Fire Department (Warming Center): Closed Immediately
* Rumple Presbyterian Church Warming Center:
– Closed Today
– Reopening Tomorrow 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
* Shelter Occupancy: Zero Individuals
🚮 SANITATION SERVICES & COUNTY FACILITIES
– Watauga County Facilities:
* Community Recreation Center Closed
* All Sanitation Department Convenience Centers:
– Closing Saturday, Jan 24 at 2:00 P.M.
– Completely Closed on Sunday, Jan 25
– Reopening Monday, Jan 26 at 10:00 A.M.
* County Offices:
– Two-hour delay on Monday, Jan 26
– Opening at 10:00 A.M.
* Up-to-date Information:
– Click here
– Snow Line: (828) 265-8159
🏠 AVERY COUNTY WARMING SHELTERS
– Emergency Warming Shelters:
* Current Status: Closed due to no occupancy
* Shelters on Standby
* Ready to Re-open in Case of Large-Scale Power Outage
* Emergency Contact: (828) 733-8273
* Shelter Locations:
– The Rock Gym (Newland)
– Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (Banner Elk)
– Riverside Elementary School (Lower County)
⛪ COMMUNITY UPDATES
– Mount Vernon Baptist Church:
* Sunday, Jan 25 Worship Service:
– Single Service at 11:00 am
– Final Confirmation by 9:00 am Sunday
* Livestream/Broadcast Available:
– 11:00 am Sunday
– Click here
📡 COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION
– Zionville Volunteer Fire Department: FREE Wi-Fi Available at Both Fire Stations
* For communication, work, school, or emergency needs
* REMINDER: Call 911 for emergencies
* Be patient with non-emergency response times due to storm conditions
🏠 EMERGENCY SHELTER & SUPPORT
– Hospitality House Northwest NC:
* Extreme Weather Protocol in effect: Friday, Jan 23 – Tuesday, Jan 27
* Brook Hollow Complex offering:
– Night-by-Night Shelter
– Daytime Warming
– All Meals
* Food Pantry Open 12 pm – 4 pm Daily
* FREE Bus Vouchers Available for Trespassed Individuals
* 24/7 Emergency Contact: (828) 264-1237
– For housing needs
– Individual and family support
📅 EVENT CHANGES
– Blowing Rock Winterfest: All Saturday Events Postponed to Jan 31 Click here
Stay Informed: Follow WataugaOnline on:
– Facebook
– X/Twitter
– Instagram
– Threads
