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 Tuesday, but they will proceed as soon as they can safely make their rounds.

Updates will be made periodically as information is made available.

Winter Weather Update - Cold Weather Advisory 1/26/26

EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS:

  • The Town of Lake Lure Emergency Preparedness Team will address any issues as they arise.
  • Town Public Works crews are scraping the most heavily traveled Town roads once it is safe to do so. 
  • They will move on to scrape Town maintained road from there.
  • The Lake Lure Fire Department is working to assist with road safety and addressing tress that have fallen across any Town Roads.
  • NC DOT is working to maintain State roads. 
  • Unfortunately, some in our area have lost power. Please see the contact information below to report a power outage.

 

The National Weather Service has issued the following Urgent Winter Weather Message on 1/26/26 at 2:29 AM:

 

COLD WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO NOON EST TUESDAY

 

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: Very cold wind chills as low as 9 below expected. Surfaces remain slick and hazardous from Sunday`s wintry mix. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph over the mountains.

* WHERE: In Georgia, Habersham County. In North Carolina, Burke Mountains, Caldwell Mountains, McDowell Mountains, Polk Mountains, and Rutherford Mountains Counties. In South Carolina, Greenville Mountains, Oconee Mountains, and Pickens Mountains Counties.

* WHEN: From 6 PM this evening to noon EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS: The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 10 below zero could result in hypothermia or frostbite if precautions are not taken. Although precipitation has ended for much of the area, many roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will remain slick and hazardous this morning.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Ice accumulations will rapidly increase early this morning. 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:

  • Use caution while traveling outside.
  • Wear appropriate clothing, a hat, and gloves.
  • To prevent water pipes from freezing, wrap or drain or allow them to drip slowly.
  • Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly.
  • Do not use generators or grills inside.
  • Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving.
  • If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways.
  • These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.
  • 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.
  • Town Public Works crews are scraping the most heavily traveled Town roads once it is safe to do so. 
  • They will move on to scrape Town maintained road from there.
  • The Lake Lure Fire Department is working to assist with road safety and addressing tress that have fallen across any Town Roads.
  • NC DOT is working to maintain State roads. 
  • Unfortunately, some in our area have lost power. Please see the contact information below to report a power outage.

 

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

 

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QUESTIONS: 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. 

  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

 

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 1/26/26 at 8:30 AM

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