Updates on Winter Storm January 2026

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

🚨 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

🏫 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

• Emergency Shelter: Ashe County High School West Jefferson
  • Opens Saturday Jan 24 10:00 a.m.
  • Separate Facility for Pets Click here

🚮 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 on Standby:
  • The Rock Gym (Newland)
    • Includes animal trailer
  • Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (Banner Elk)
  • Riverside Elementary School (Lower County)
  • Shelter Activation:
    • Announced via social media
    • Hyper-reach notifications
  • What to Bring:
    • Blankets
    • Pillows
    • Snacks
    • Medications
  • Animal Policy:
    • Animals only at Rock Gym
    • Other shelters: Crated animals only, no exceptions
  • Avery County Emergency Operations Center (EOC):
    • On standby
    • Non-emergency contact: (828) 733-8273
  • REMINDER: Call 911 for emergencies only

⛪ 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