STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED – BURKE COUNTY
Burke County has officially issued a State of Emergency, effective 8:00 AM Saturday, January 24th, 2026, and will remain in effect until further notice.
Residents are urged to stay informed, follow guidance from our local officials, and take necessary precautions. Please avoid unnecessary travel if conditions worsen and check on neighbors who may need assistance.
Burke County and the Municipalities within the county have jointly activated the Burke County Joint Information Center as of 3:30pm yesterday (Wednesday). That hotline is 828-764-9388.
We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Stay safe, Burke County.
STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED – CALDWELL COUNTY
In preparation for Winter Storm Fern, the Caldwell County Board of Commissioners has declared a State of Emergency effective at 9 a.m. on Saturday, January 24.
Emergency Services Director Trevor Key explains, “This declaration has been made in preparation for the potential impacts Winter Storm Fern could have on Caldwell County; this is in no way a reason for panic or worry. This will simply allow the Department of Emergency Services to implement and function under the County’s Emergency Operations Plan and will also assist in obtaining any resources that may be needed.”
County officials encourage citizens to monitor their local weather channels and to follow the Caldwell County Facebook page for up-to-date information and how to best prepare for its potential impact.
Caldwell County Emergency Services has been actively preparing for impending weather system and continues to work closely with other local and State officials in an attempt to lessen the effects on services provided to the citizens of Caldwell County.
The State of Emergency will remain in effect until officials recommend that a declaration to terminate the State of Emergency is made.
In addition to declaring a State of Emergency, commissioners have also postponed their regular meeting. They will now meet on Thursday, January 29, at 6 p.m. in the City/County Chambers located at 905 West Avenue, Lenoir. The grand opening of “Our Story: The History of Caldwell County” has also been moved to Thursday. The grand opening will begin at 4:30 p.m.
For storm updates and safety information, follow Caldwell County’s Facebook page.
STATE OF EMERGENCY ISSUED – CATAWBA COUNTY
The Catawba County Board of Commissioners declared a State of Emergency in Catawba County in preparation for the anticipated winter storm effective 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
The declaration enables Catawba County Emergency Services to implement coordinated response and recovery efforts in all affected unincorporated areas of the county in alignment with the Catawba County Emergency Operations Plan and in collaboration with emergency response partners.