Ice Storm Warning Update 1/24/26

Ice Storm Warning

The National Weather Service has issued the following Urgent Winter Weather Message on 1/24/26 at 2:35 AM:

 

ICE STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SATURDAY TO 1 PM EST MONDAY

 

This post includes information on the latest forecast, preparation for winter storms, local shelters, utility contacts, and more. Please stay home and be safe throughout the storm!

* WHAT: Damaging icing expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations between three quarters inch and one inch. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph.

* WHERE: A portion of the southern North Carolina mountains near the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and the mountains of northwest South Carolina.

* WHEN: From 1 PM Saturday to 1 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS: Widespread power outages are likely due to the weight of the ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines. The outages could last for days in some areas. Trees and large limbs could fall on structures, posing threat to life and property. Ice and snow covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Ice accumulations will rapidly increase late Saturday night into Sunday morning, possibly tapering off by Sunday evening. Treacherous road conditions and power outages will remain Sunday night and likely linger through at least Monday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

  • An Ice Storm Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring.
  • Significant amounts of ice accumulations will make travel dangerous or impossible. Travel should be restricted to emergencies only.
  • Commerce will be severely impacted.
  • If you must travel, keep a flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
  • Ice accumulations and winds will lead to snapped power lines and falling trees or tree branches that add to the danger.
  • Prepare for extended power outages.
  • The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
  • For additional information please review the Guidance on Winter Preparations

EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS:

  • The Town of Lake Lure Emergency Preparedness Team will address any issues as they arise.
  • The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) continues to pre-treating highways.
  • Town crews will be preparing the steepest and most heavily traveled Town roads.
  • Town crews will be on standby to begin scraping the most heavily traveled Town roads once it is safe to do so following the storm.  Roads cannot be scraped in the ice. 

 

QUESTIONS

 

 

RUTHERFORD COUNTY EMERGENCY SHELTERS

 

Rutherford County has established two Public Shelters which will open on Saturday, 1/24/26 at Noon. 

  1. General Public Shelter - Open To Everyone: Forest City-Dunbar Elementary School, 286 Learning Way Drive, Forest City, NC

  2. Medical Shelter - Only for those needing power for medical equipment, medications, or treatments: Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church, 252 N Washington Street, Rutherfordton, NC

 

POLK COUNTY EMERGENCY SHELTERS

 

  1. Columbus: The Meeting Place at 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC

  2. Saluda: 64 Greenville Street, Saluda, NC

 

DUKE ENERGY

 

  • Report a power outage: Text OUT to 57801
  • Visit duke-energy.com/outages
  • Use the Duke Energy mobile app
  • Call 800-POWERON (800-769-3766)

 

REMC

 

 

STATE OF EMERGENCY: 

 

  • Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency as North Carolina prepares for the impacts of a major winter storm.
  • Rutherford County also declared a State of Emergency.
  • The Town of Lake Lure Emergency Preparedness Team continues to meet and Mayor Pritchett has also signed a State of Emergency for the Town of Lake Lure. 

 

Call 9-1-1 for All Emergencies

 

Published 1/24/26 at 9:00 AM

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