Last Updated on February 23, 2026 8:14 am Avery County Emergency Management has set up a primary warming shelter at the Rock Gym in Newland, 185 Shady St. Depending on changes or a rise in needs, additional shelters may be opened throughout the county.

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Last Updated on February 23, 2026 8:02 am The Town of Jefferson has declared a Stage 4 Emergency Reduction under its Water Shortage Response Plan. Water supply conditions are substantially diminished and pose an imminent threat to public health and environmental integrity. All customers must immediately reduce water use by 25% compared to their previous …

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Last Updated on February 22, 2026 1:44 pm Low pressure will pass over the region today with rain changing to snow across the higher elevations. Arrival of colder air Sunday along with the development of a strong winter storm along the Mid-Atlantic coast will result in an extended period of snow showers and blustery winds …

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Last Updated on February 21, 2026 2:18 pm 🔴 WINTER STORM WARNING – AVERY COUNTYNational Weather ServiceSaturday, February 21, 2026, 1:50 PM In effect from MIDNIGHT TONIGHT through MIDNIGHT MONDAY NIGHT. Heavy snow expected. 2-6 inches with up to 10 inches possible along the Tennessee border and higher elevations. Wind gusts up to 50 mph …

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Last Updated on February 21, 2026 2:15 pm ❄️ WINTER WEATHER ADVISORYNational Weather ServiceSaturday, February 21, 2026, 1:59 PM In effect from MIDNIGHT TONIGHT through MIDNIGHT MONDAY NIGHT for Watauga and Ashe Counties. Snow expected with up to 4 inches. Locally higher amounts above 4,000 feet. Wind gusts up to 45 mph Temperatures falling into …

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Last Updated on February 21, 2026 11:00 am WILKES COUNTY – Dr. Mark Byrd, Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools, was found dead at his Hays residence Friday afternoon, according to Wilkes County Sheriff Chris Shew. Byrd, 52, was found with an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at his residence at 1025 Oak Ridge …

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Last Updated on February 19, 2026 2:47 pm Governor Josh Stein today ordered all U.S. and North Carolina flags at state facilities be lowered to half-staff from sunrise Feb. 19 through sunset Feb. 28 in honor of Civil Rights Activist, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who passed away on Tuesday. A protege of the late Dr. …

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Last Updated on February 19, 2026 1:29 pm NEWLAND, NC – A timely connection between a local non-profit and Avery County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is set to improve the lives of Avery residents. Quiet Givers has announced a donation of durable medical equipment to Avery County EMS, establishing a specialized inventory for use in the …

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