Winter Storm Watch Update

Winter Storm Watch Update

The National Weather Service has issued the following Urgent Weather Message on 1/22/26 at 1:51PM:

 

WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON

 

* WHAT: Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total sleet accumulations up to two inches and ice accumulations between three tenths and three quarters of an inch possible. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph across the mountains.

* WHERE: Northeast Georgia, Western North Carolina, and the South Carolina Upstate.

* WHEN: From 7 AM EST Saturday morning through 1 PM EST Monday afternoon.

* IMPACTS: Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Ice and sleet covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Highest snow and sleet accumulations are possible north of I-40. Highest ice accumulations are possible across the southern mountains of North Carolina, the mountains of northeast Georgia, and the mountains of South Carolina.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS:

  • Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
  • Register for Everbridge, the Town of Lake Lure Emergency Notification System: https://member.everbridge.net/305943405396052/login (See link at the bottom of the website.)
  • Persons should consider delaying all travel.
  • If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution.
  • Consider taking a winter storm kit along with you, including such items as tire chains, booster cables, flashlight, shovel, blankets and extra clothing.
  • Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded.

STATE OF EMERGENCY: Today, Governor Stein declared a State of Emergency as North Carolina prepares for the impacts of a major winter storm. The Town of Lake Lure Emergency Preparedness Team has met and Mayor Pritchett has also signed a State of Emergency for the Town of Lake Lure. 

EMERGENCY PREPARATIONS:

  • The Town of Lake Lure Emergency Preparedness Team has met and will continue to meet throughout the storm to prepare and address any issues as they arise.
  • The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is 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.  
  • For questions, please email Communications@townoflakelure.com

 

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

 

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

 

 

REGISTER FOR EVERBRIDGE - EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONS

 

REGISTER NOW

Be sure to register for the Town of Lake Lure, NC's Emergency Notification System (Everbridge) to receive important updates. You may opt to receive notifications by text message, phone call, or email. Please click on the following link to register: https://member.everbridge.net/305943405396052/login

Questions: For questions or assistance with your registration you may email Communications@townoflakelure.com.

 

Call 9-1-1 for All Emergencies

 

Published 1/22/26

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