Rutherford County and Town of Lake Lure Offices Closed 1/26/26

012626 Offices Closed

 

Out of an abundance of caution and due to the hazardous weather conditions, unsafe roads and highways, and temperatures remaining below freezing, Rutherford County government offices and Town of Lake Lure Offices will  be closed on Monday, January 26, 2026. 

  • Rutherford County Landfill, and Convenience Centers will be closed on Monday, January 26,  2026.

  • Nelon & Sons has advised that they will provide trash pick up as soon as it is safe to do so. They cannot confirm if this will be Monday or Tuesday but they will proceed as soon as they can safely make their rounds.

Updates will be made periodically as information is made available.

 

The National Weather Service has issued the following Urgent Winter Weather Message on 1/25/26 at 9:32 AM:

 

ICE STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 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. Additional light sleet accumulations and ice accumulations around one half of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE:The mountains of northeast Georgia, upstate South Carolina, and portions of southwest North Carolina.

* WHEN: Until 1 PM EST Monday.

* IMPACTS: Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Snow and ice accumulations will make many roads treacherous and impassable. The weight of the snow and ice on tree limbs and power lines could produce numerous outages. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Precipitation rates are expected to become light late this morning before increasing again this afternoon. The worst impacts are expected this afternoon. 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 is strongly discouraged.
  • 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 possible power outages.
  • The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
  • Do not touch downed lines and report any power outages to your electric company.
  • Travel is highly discouraged due to slick roadways and the possibility of downed trees and power lines.
  • For additional information please review the Guidance on Winter Preparations and Ready NC. 

 

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. 

 

DUKE ENERGY

 

Report a power outage: Text OUT to 57801

Visit https://www.duke-energy.com/outages

Use the Duke Energy mobile app

Call 800-POWERON (800-769-3766)

 

REMC

 

Report a power outage: 1- 800-521-0920, 828-245-1621

Web outage viewer: http://cvoutage.remc.com:8083/

Website: https://www.remc.com/

 

QUESTIONS OR ASSISTANCE

 

For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

 

RUTHERFORD COUNTY EMERGENCY SHELTERS

 

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

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

  • 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

 

  • Columbus: The Meeting Place at 75 Carmel Lane, Columbus, NC

  • Saluda: 64 Greenville Street, Saluda, NC

 

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 1/25/26 at 11:30 AM

  • Printer-friendly version