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Cold Weather Advisory & Wind Advisory for Watauga & Ashe County – January 28-29, 2026

Last Updated on January 28, 2026 8:39 am URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGENational Weather Service Blacksburg VA124 AM EST Wed Jan 28 2026 NCZ001-018-VAZ007-009>011-015-WVZ042>044-281600-/O.NEW.KRNK.CW.Y.0005.260129T0000Z-260129T1600Z/Ashe-Watauga-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Grayson-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Including the cities of Independence, Bluefield, Hinton, FlatTop, West Jefferson, Troutdale, Whitetop, Marion, Hix, Volney,Union, Bland, Tazewell, Boone, and Pearisburg124 AM EST Wed Jan 28 2026 …COLD WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 …

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Valle Crucis School Teacher Gina Holste named a regional Teacher of the Year, finalist for North Carolina Teacher of the Year

Last Updated on January 27, 2026 12:09 pm A local educator is one of nine North Carolina educators named regional Teachers of the Year in recognition of their outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching.  Gina Holste, a K-5 reading specialist at Valle Crucis School, is among those named. “These nine individuals represent the very best …

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Smoke Detector Saves Family in Sugar Grove House Fire

Last Updated on January 27, 2026 11:10 am A potentially devastating fire was averted early Tuesday morning when a smoke detector alerted a family in Sugar Grove, allowing them to safely evacuate their home. At approximately 3:00 am on January 27th, Watauga County Communications received a 911 call from the 200 block of Trivette Circle. …

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Fern Causes Minimal Impact to Blue Ridge Energy Service Area: Focus Shifts to Windy Conditions

Last Updated on January 26, 2026 11:01 am Lenoir, North Carolina (January 26, 2026) – Unlike other areas of the country, Blue Ridge Energy’s service area weathered Storm Fern over the weekend although windy conditions in the mountains are now being monitored. “We’re thankful we had sleet throughout the storm, preventing what could have been …

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Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce Launches Fundraiser to Support Employees Impacted by Fire

Last Updated on January 25, 2026 2:33 pm Blowing Rock, NC — The Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce is launching a community fundraiser to support the employees of Bistro Roca, following the devastating fire that damaged the historic restaurant and bar on Sunday, January 25th. This local establishment has long been a cornerstone of Blowing …

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Extreme Cold Weather Advisory including Watauga & Ashe County – January 26-27, 2026

Last Updated on January 25, 2026 12:11 pm URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGENational Weather Service Blacksburg VA1204 PM EST Sun Jan 25 2026 NCZ001-002-018-VAZ007-009>020-022>024-033>035-045>047-WVZ042>044-507-508-260400-/O.NEW.KRNK.EC.A.0002.260126T2300Z-260127T1700Z/Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Franklin-Bedford-Amherst-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-Including the cities of Galax, Clifton Forge, Marion, Roanoke,Buena Vista, Floyd, Bluefield, Flat Top, Troutdale, Pearisburg,Wytheville, Amherst, Volney, Bedford, Tazewell, Hix, Fincastle,Whitetop, Lynchburg, Salem, Lexington, White Sulphur Springs,Rainelle, Covington, …

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Ashe County Activates Emergency Operations Center; Shelter Opened in Response to Ice and Snowstorm

Last Updated on January 25, 2026 10:54 am Ashe County, NC — January 25, 2026 — In response to the ongoing ice and snowstorm impacting Ashe County, county officials have taken multiple proactive measures to ensure public safety and coordinate emergency response efforts. In advance of the storm, Ashe County officials, along with the towns …

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Emergency Shelter and Warming Centers Open During Winter Storm

Last Updated on January 25, 2026 4:02 pm ***UPDATE Sunday January 25 4pm – 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 – Watauga County has established multiple shelters and warming …

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