WataugaOnline Updates on Winter Storm January 2026

Last Updated on January 26, 2026 1:22 pm

WataugaOnline Updates on the January 2026 Winter Storm impacts on western North Carolina

– Winter Storm Warning for January 24-26, 2026 (Watauga and Ashe Counties)

– Winter Storm Watch for January 24-26, 2026 (Avery County)

– Ice Storm Warning for January 24-26, 2026 (Avery County)

– Cold Weather Advisory for Avery County, January 25, 2026

– Extreme Cold Weather Watch for Watauga and Ashe Counties, January 26-27, 2026

– Governor Josh Stein: State of Emergency Declared * Press Conference

* More Information

– Town of Blowing Rock: State of Emergency

– Watauga County: State of Emergency for Severe Winter Weather

– Town of Boone: State of Emergency Ahead of Severe Winter Storm

– Town of Boone: State of Emergency Lifted, Monday Jan 26, 1 PM

– Watauga County: State of Emergency Ended, Monday Jan 26, 1 PM

– Appalachian State University:

* Suspended Operations Jan 24-26

* Virtual/No In-Person Classes Jan 26

– Lees-McRae College:

* Virtual Classes Jan 23 and 26

* Residential Services Maintained

– Blue Ridge Parkway: Completely Closed

– Blue Ridge Energy: Technicians Ready for Potential Outages * More Information

* Updated Storm Readiness

– 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

* Shelter Occupancy: Zero Individuals

– Watauga County Facilities:

* Community Recreation Center Closed

* All Sanitation Department Convenience Centers:

– Closing Saturday, Jan 24 at 2:00 P.M.

– Completely Closed on Sunday, Jan 25

– Reopening Monday, Jan 26 at 10:00 A.M.

* County Offices:

– Two-hour delay on Monday, Jan 26

– Opening at 10:00 A.M.

* Up-to-date Information:

–

– Snow Line: (828) 265-8159

– Emergency Warming Shelters:

* Current Status: Closed due to no occupancy

* Shelters on Standby

* Ready to Re-open in Case of Large-Scale Power Outage

* Emergency Contact:

* Shelter Locations:

– The Rock Gym (Newland)

– Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (Banner Elk)

– Riverside Elementary School (Lower County)

– Mount Vernon Baptist Church:

* Sunday, Jan 25 Worship Service:

– Single Service at 11:00 am

– Final Confirmation by 9:00 am Sunday

* Livestream/Broadcast Available:

– 11:00 am Sunday

–

– Zionville Volunteer Fire Department: FREE Wi-Fi Available at Both Fire Stations

* For communication, work, school, or emergency needs

* REMINDER: Call 911 for emergencies

* Be patient with non-emergency response times due to storm conditions

– Hospitality House Northwest NC:

* Extreme Weather Protocol in effect: Friday, Jan 23 – Tuesday, Jan 27

* Brook Hollow Complex offering:

– Night-by-Night Shelter

– Daytime Warming

– All Meals

* Food Pantry Open 12 pm – 4 pm Daily

* FREE Bus Vouchers Available for Trespassed Individuals

* 24/7 Emergency Contact: (828) 264-1237

– For housing needs

– Individual and family support

– Blowing Rock Winterfest: All Saturday Events Postponed to Jan 31

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