February 1, 4:15 pm:
Alexander County Government offices will operate on a 2-hour delay on Monday, February 2. The landfill will open at 10:00 a.m. and convenience sites will open at 12:00. County parks remain closed. Secondary road conditions are hazardous in many locations, so please drive with caution. Stay warm and safe!
February 1, 9:00 am:
Alexander County remains under an Extreme Cold Warning through 10:00 AM Sunday. Dangerous wind chills and cold temperatures will continue today, and road conditions may remain hazardous into Monday. Temperatures will stay below freezing today, limiting road clearing. Any melting that occurs will refreeze overnight, creating slick conditions again for the Monday morning commute.
High temperatures today (Sunday) are expected to reach around 28°, with lows near 10° tonight. Monday will warm into the upper 30s to near 40° by late morning, but refreezing is expected again overnight. There is also a chance for rain or snow Tuesday into Wednesday, though temperatures are expected to remain above freezing at that time. Morning travel throughout the week could still be icy due to overnight refreezing.
State, county, and town crews have been working long hours in extreme cold to plow and treat roads across Alexander County. If you do not need to travel today, please stay home. Fewer vehicles allow crews to work faster and more safely, and driving on snow-covered roads slows progress for everyone.
Enjoy the snow day if you can, dress in layers, use caution when sledding or operating ATVs, and please give our crews the space they need to keep roads safe. Thank you for your patience and for supporting the workers who have been out nonstop in these conditions.
Please continue to monitor conditions on the county’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/alexandercounty for updates.
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 31, 7:00 am:
Alexander County remains under a Winter Storm Warning until 7:00 AM tomorrow and an Extreme Cold Warning from 7:00 PM tonight until 10:00 AM tomorrow. The county is expected to receive 5–8 inches of total snowfall from this storm.
Temperatures today will only reach the mid-20s, with overnight lows near 11 degrees. Wind gusts in the low 20 mph range will result in wind chills below zero tonight, making conditions dangerous for anyone outdoors for extended periods. Sunday’s high should reach around 32 degrees with sunshine, which may gradually help improve travel conditions. This is expected to be powdery snow, but slick spots and hidden black ice are still possible. Sunday’s sunshine will help; however, shaded areas may still experience issues.
Many roads are already snow-covered, and additional snowfall is expected. The heaviest snow is expected between now and 1 PM, where over 3 inches of additional accumulation is possible, followed by another potential 1–2 inches from 1 PM to 7 PM, with precipitation tapering off around 4 PM. Periods of blowing snow may also reduce visibility.
Cold temperatures will remain the primary concern, delaying road-clearing efforts and creating slick and refreezing conditions overnight. Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads, if possible, to allow DOT, county, and town crews room to work safely and to ensure emergency services can respond quickly to those in need.
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 30, 5:00 pm:
Alexander County is preparing for another winter storm, which is expected to bring significant snowfall late tonight and tomorrow.
Due to anticipated hazardous conditions, the following facilities will be closed: Alexander County Library, landfill, convenience sites, and county parks.
Residents are urged to use caution, limit travel if possible, and take steps now to prepare for extremely cold temperatures and potentially dangerous road conditions. Please stay warm and safe, and remain at home if possible to allow first responders and winter weather crews to respond more efficiently.
County staff and emergency services will continue monitoring conditions, and updates will be shared as additional information becomes available.
January 30, 11:00 am:
Alexander County remains under a Hazardous Weather Outlook, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect from 4:00 PM this afternoon through 7:00 AM Sunday, followed by an Extreme Cold Watch beginning Saturday at 7:00 PM through 10:00 AM Sunday. Forecast confidence has increased that the county will experience periods of heavier snowfall, though exact totals remain uncertain due to dry pockets within the storm band and unusually high snow-to-liquid ratios.
This system is expected to produce a light, powdery snow. While this type of snow is generally easier to remove from roadways and sidewalks, very cold temperatures can cause it to adhere quickly, even with low accumulations. Blowing snow and reduced visibility may also create hazardous travel conditions. Lower water content means less stress on trees and powerlines, but it also allows snow to drift and refreeze more easily, contributing to ongoing travel issues.
Snow impacts are expected to begin after midnight tonight, with a small chance of light snow developing around midday today. Accumulations will increase overnight, with heavier snowfall likely from approximately 6:00 AM Saturday through 6:00 PM Saturday evening. Current guidance shows an average total snowfall of 6–8 inches, with about an 80% chance of at least 4 inches and roughly a 30% chance of exceeding 8 inches. Travel impacts are the primary concern with this event.
Saturday and Sunday temperatures are expected to remain below freezing, limiting travel and slowing snowmelt. While high temperatures in the low to mid-40s are expected later next week, which should aid road clearing from this storm and the previous one, impacts will likely linger into early next week. Another chance of rain and snow is possible by midweek.
Residents are encouraged to use today to prepare for the weekend, limit travel once conditions deteriorate, and allow NCDOT, county, and town crews the space they need to work safely. We greatly appreciate the continued efforts of all public works, emergency, and utility personnel who have been working around the clock through consecutive winter weather events.
Please continue to monitor the Alexander County website at https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026 and Facebook page for updates.
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 29, 10:00 am:
It appears another winter storm is headed our way, but hopefully this will be an all-snow event vs. the ice storm we experienced last weekend.
Alexander County will be under a Winter Storm Watch from Friday afternoon through Saturday night. Current forecasts indicate the potential for at least 2 inches of snow, with some scenarios showing higher totals if heavier bands develop. Snow impacts are expected to be greater across eastern North Carolina and the Piedmont, but even small shifts in the storm track could change local totals.
Snow is expected to begin Friday evening, generally between 5:00 and 9:00 PM, with impacts continuing through Saturday and into Saturday night. Gusty winds on Saturday may lead to blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel hazardous even after snowfall tapers off. Cold temperatures will allow snow to stick quickly to roads and surfaces.
Early next week, daytime temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-40s, helping melt existing snow and ice. However, overnight temperatures below freezing may refreeze moisture on roadways, increasing the risk of black ice during morning commutes.
Residents are encouraged to run errands today and Friday, as travel conditions are expected to deteriorate Saturday and Sunday. While widespread power outages are less likely with this system due to limited ice accumulation, cold temperatures and blowing snow may still create localized issues. Continue checking on friends, family, neighbors, and pets as conditions worsen.
A reminder for this storm: snow doesn’t have to be heavy to be dangerous. Light, dry snow combined with wind and cold can quickly erase tire tracks, hide icy spots, and reduce visibility — especially at night. If you must travel, give yourself extra time, slow down, and assume shaded roads and bridges are worse than they look.
If you can stay home, doing so helps emergency crews focus on those who truly need assistance.
Please continue to monitor this webpage and the county’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/alexandercounty) for updates.
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 28, 12:30 pm:
Alexander County Government offices, convenience sites, and the landfill will operate on a regular schedule on Thursday, January 29. County parks will remain closed. Secondary roads remain hazardous in many areas, so please exercise caution if you must drive. (Note: convenience sites are closed on Thursdays.)
January 27, 3:00 pm:
Alexander County Government offices will operate on a 2-hour delay on Wednesday, January 28. Parks and convenience sites will be closed, and the landfill will operate on a 2-hour delay. Road conditions remain hazardous, especially on secondary roads, so please exercise caution if you must drive.
January 27, 2:30 pm:
Due to icy conditions, Alexander County parks will be closed until further notice.
January 26, 3:00 pm:
Alexander County Government offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 27, due to inclement weather. All parks, convenience sites, and the landfill will be closed. Road conditions remain hazardous, so please exercise caution if you must drive.
January 26, 11:00 am:
Alexander County will close the emergency shelter established to assist during Winter Storm Fern at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26.
Since opening on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at Alexander Central High School, the shelter has experienced low demand, serving a total of six people. Three individuals remained at the shelter as of Monday at 9:00 a.m., and county staff have confirmed each has a safe, warm place to go. In addition, there are no power outages reported in Alexander County. If conditions change or a need arises, the County can reopen the emergency shelter.
Throughout shelter operations, Alexander County staff from Social Services, Public Health, the PORT Community Paramedic program, the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and Emergency Management worked directly with shelter clients to develop individualized plans and support their transition to safe, longer-term arrangements. Resources provided included assistance with heating, food, and transportation.
A warming station will remain available in the lobby of the Alexander County Detention Center for individuals who need a brief place to warm up. This warming station is intended for short-term warming only and is not an overnight shelter.
With the shelter closing, the emergency shelter hotline (828-352-7844) will also be discontinued effective 1:00 p.m. Residents should call 911 only in the event of an emergency. For non-emergency calls, contact the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 632-2911.
January 26, 6:15 am:
The Ice Storm Warning has been cancelled, and a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 1:00 PM this afternoon. While precipitation has ended, roads remain slick and hazardous due to lingering ice.
A Cold Weather Advisory will be in effect from 6:00 PM this evening through noon Tuesday. Very cold temperatures will slow road treatment efforts and continue to impact travel. Travel should remain limited, if possible, to reduce accidents and allow NCDOT crews and emergency responders to work safely and efficiently.
Monday will be sunny, with a high near 31 degrees, which may allow for some limited improvement. However, overnight temperatures will fall into the single digits Monday night into Tuesday, causing refreezing. Temperatures are expected to remain at or below freezing through the week, with overnight lows in the single digits and teens, prolonging icy conditions.
Road conditions will continue to be addressed when possible, with a primary focus on the main roads. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious, follow safe heating practices, and continue checking on neighbors, friends, and pets during this prolonged cold weather.
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 25, 6:30 pm:
An Ice Storm Warning remains in effect until 1:00 PM Monday. Most precipitation has moved out of the area, but cold temperatures and existing ice remain the primary concerns.
Temperatures tonight are expected to fall into the low to mid-20s, keeping roads icy. Sunshine is expected on Monday, and temperatures may hover near freezing, allowing for some limited improvement. However, temperatures will drop into the single digits Monday night into Tuesday, leading to refreezing and continued hazardous conditions. Cold temperatures are expected to persist throughout the week, potentially delaying full road clearing and recovery.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) continues road treatment efforts, focusing on primary roads at this time. Secondary roads may remain slick or untreated.
Residents are encouraged to limit travel, if possible, to allow emergency responders to operate safely and to give NCDOT crews room to continue road treatment operations. Please continue using safe cold-weather practices and remain cautious, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 25, 1:00 pm:
Alexander County Government offices will be closed on Monday, January 26, due to inclement weather. All parks, convenience sites, and the landfill will be closed. In addition, Republic Services will not be picking up trash on Monday. Road conditions remain hazardous, so please exercise caution if you must drive.
January 25, 7:00 am:
An Ice Storm Warning remains in effect for Alexander County through 1:00 PM Monday. Snow and sleet moved through the area overnight, leaving many roads covered and travel hazardous this Sunday morning. While some wintry precipitation continues, ice remains the main concern today and into Monday.
Freezing rain is expected throughout the day, with an additional 0.25 to 0.5 inches of ice possible. Even small amounts of ice can cause slick roads, falling trees, and downed power lines. Precipitation should end around 7:00 PM Sunday, but cold temperatures will keep roads icy into Monday.
Today’s high will be near 27 degrees, with lows around 23 degrees tonight. On Monday, temperatures may briefly rise above freezing, allowing some thawing. However, very cold temperatures are expected Monday night into Tuesday, with lows near 2 degrees. Cold weather is expected to continue through the week, potentially slowing road clearing and power restoration.
Alexander County will open a shelter at Alexander Central High School (JV Gym) at 9:00 AM Sunday for anyone without power or heat or who cannot safely stay at home. As of 6:00 AM Sunday, there are no reported power outages, but outages remain possible as ice continues to build.
Residents are encouraged to stay home if possible, use safe heating practices, and avoid downed power lines. Check on family, neighbors, and pets, and be prepared for continued icy and dangerous conditions.
Contact numbers to share: https://alexandercountync.gov/numbers
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 24, 12:00 p.m.
For those who need to utilize the emergency shelter (beginning Sunday at 9:00 a.m.), please use the high school’s main entrance to the lobby for registration and access to the JV gymnasium. Stay warm and be safe. Together, we are #AlexanderCountyStrong! #AlexanderNCWx
January 24, 9:00 am:
Alexander County remains under a State of Emergency due to the incoming winter storm. The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for Alexander County from 1:00 PM Saturday through 1:00 PM Monday. Ice is the primary threat with forecast accumulations between 0.5 and 0.75 inches, which is significant. Historically, as little as 0.25 inches of ice has resulted in downed trees and power lines, making widespread and prolonged power outages likely. With temperatures remaining below freezing, power outages increase the risk of hypothermia for anyone without adequate heat.
Wintry precipitation is expected to begin Saturday around 2:00 PM, initially as snow and sleet. Freezing rain may begin Saturday night, with the greatest impacts expected from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon. Temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing through Tuesday, with cold conditions continuing into the end of the week. While skies may partially clear on Monday, allowing some daytime warming, overnight freezing temperatures could cause refreezing and black ice, slowing travel and recovery efforts including road clearing and power restoration.
This forecast has been consistently changing, but confidence remains high that significant impacts will occur Saturday and Sunday. Residents are strongly encouraged to complete any remaining preparedness actions Saturday morning and limit travel until conditions improve. Ensure safe and adequate heating sources are available, never use generators or fuel-burning devices indoors, and operate generators outdoors and away from windows and doors. Treat all downed power lines as energized and stay well clear. Exposed pipes should be insulated and faucets allowed to drip to prevent freezing. Residents should also have a plan for pets, medications, and any power-dependent medical equipment, and check on family, friends, and neighbors.
A shelter will open at 9:00 AM on Sunday, January 25th, at the Alexander Central JV Gym for individuals without adequate shelter. The Sheriff’s Office Detention Lobby is available as a short-term warming location if needed. Please reserve 911 for emergencies only and continue to monitor the county website, social media, local radio, and news outlets for official updates. Limiting non-essential travel will also help keep roads clear for emergency responders and utility crews working to restore services.
Stay up to date with local weather information and emergency alerts at https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026
Contact numbers to share: https://alexandercountync.gov/numbers
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at: https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 23, 9:00 pm:
Donations being accepted for emergency shelter
With the announcement of an Alexander County emergency shelter, individuals and organizations have expressed a most-appreciated desire to provide supplies for the shelter. The county will accept donations of non-perishable, pre-packed food and supplies at the Alexander County Detention Center (use the lobby phone for assistance). Donations are appreciated, especially before the storm begins on Saturday.
The emergency shelter opens on Sunday, January 25, at 9:00 a.m. in the JV gymnasium at Alexander Central High School (223 School Drive in Taylorsville) for those who need a warm, safe space during the pending winter storm.
January 23, 6:45 pm:
Alexander County to open emergency shelter on Sunday morning
Alexander County will open an emergency shelter to support residents impacted by this weekend’s winter storm. The shelter will open on Sunday, January 25, at 9:00 a.m. in the JV gymnasium at Alexander Central High School (223 School Dr., Taylorsville). Food, water, and basic necessities will be provided.
This shelter is intended as a lifesaving measure for situations where weather conditions pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury. Shelter capacity and resources will be limited. Residents are strongly encouraged to have their own emergency preparedness plans in place.
Those seeking shelter should bring essential items only, including medications, clothing, emergency kits, and toiletries.
Pets will not be allowed inside the shelter. However, residents arriving with pets may have them temporarily housed at the Alexander County Animal Shelter. When possible, county staff will provide transportation for pets from the high school to the animal shelter.
No alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons are permitted inside the shelter.
In addition, a warming shelter will be available in the lobby of the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, located at 91 Commercial Park Avenue in Taylorsville. This location is intended for short-term warming only and is not an overnight shelter.
A hotline has been established at 828-352-7844 for residents seeking additional information or needing transportation to the emergency shelter. All shelter-related questions and transportation requests should be directed to the hotline. The hotline will be operational beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Do not call 911 unless you are experiencing a true emergency. For non-emergency calls not related to the shelter, call 828-632-2911.
Stay up to date with the winter storm at https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026.
January 23, 11:00 am:
Alexander County declares State of Emergency due to winter storm
As of Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m., Alexander County has declared a State of Emergency in preparation for this weekend’s winter storm, which is expected to bring significant ice and snow.
Declaring a State of Emergency allows the county to prepare in advance, coordinate resources, and respond quickly as conditions change during this hazardous weather event.
Currently, the storm is forecast to begin in the afternoon or evening on Saturday, January 24, in Alexander County. Residents are encouraged to prepare for this storm, which may result in dangerous road conditions and power outages.
To receive emergency alerts from Alexander County, residents should sign up for CodeRED at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
Residents can also stay informed through the county website (https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026), Facebook (www.facebook.com/alexandercounty), and local news.
Plans are in place to open an emergency shelter should conditions necessitate. If a shelter is opened, details will be released at that time.
January 23, 10:10 am:
Alexander County is now under an Ice Storm Warning. This is a constantly changing system, and details may continue to shift. Follow trusted weather sources and county updates.
Ice potential has increased while snow potential has decreased. Current forecasts show approximately a 60% chance of ½ inch or more of ice, with ¼ inch of ice capable of causing power outages. The expected rain today has largely fallen out of the forecast, which should allow road brine treatments to be more effective.
Impacts are expected to begin Saturday afternoon, starting as sleet and snow and transitioning to freezing rain Sunday morning, continuing into late Sunday or early Monday. Freezing rain will be the primary concern, with the greatest impacts expected Sunday evening and overnight.
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing from Saturday through Wednesday, leading to hazardous travel conditions and slower recovery efforts. Wind chills Monday into Tuesday may drop as low as 1°F.
Preparedness Reminders:
• Have a plan and limit travel beginning Saturday afternoon until conditions improve.
• Take time today and Saturday morning to ensure your family and pets have what they need through the middle of next week.
• Prepare for possible power outages and use safe heating practices.
• Check on neighbors and take care of one another, especially those who may need extra assistance.
Stay up to date with local weather information and emergency alerts at https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026.
Here is a list of non-emergency numbers: https://alexandercountync.gov/numbers
To stay informed of emergency alerts and weather warnings, be sure to sign up for CodeRED at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
January 23, 9:45 am:
ICE STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SATURDAY TO 7 AM EST MONDAY
WHAT… Significant icing, including compacted sleet and snow, expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 3 inches and ice accumulations between one half and three quarters of an inch. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
WHERE… Areas of the northern mountains and northwest Piedmont of North Carolina, near and north of Interstate 40.
WHEN… From 7 AM Saturday to 7 AM EST Monday.
IMPACTS… Ice and snow covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable. Widespread power outages are likely due to the weight of the ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines. The outages could last for days in some areas. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS… Sleet, ice, and snow accumulations will increase rapidly Saturday night, and may taper off for a time before increasing again Sunday night.
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 likely 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 likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches that add to the danger. Prepare for possible power outages.
January 22, 11:00 am:
❄️ Be Ready Before the Storm Hits ❄️
Winter weather can bring power outages, dangerous road conditions, and limited access to services. Now is the time to make sure your household has an emergency preparedness kit. Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a phone charger or battery pack. Having supplies ready can make a stressful situation safer and more manageable. A little preparation now goes a long way. Stay safe and be prepared. Learn more at www.readync.gov.
January 22, 10:00 am: The Governor has issued a State of Emergency due to the pending winter storm, and the National Weather Service has placed Alexander County under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon.
This has been a constantly changing forecast, but confidence is high that significant impacts will occur on Saturday and Sunday. What remains uncertain is the exact type and amount of precipitation, which is common with winter systems in our region.
Forecast trends have shifted, with ice now the primary concern and snow chances decreasing. Wintry precipitation is expected to begin around midday Saturday, starting as snow before changing to sleet and freezing rain on Saturday afternoon and evening, continuing through late Sunday into early Monday.
There is currently a 50% chance of one-half inch or more of ice accumulation. Ice of this magnitude can lead to slick roads, downed trees and power lines, and extended power outages. Power outages and travel impacts remain the main concerns.
Temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing, with Monday’s high near 32 degrees and limited melting until Tuesday. Hazardous travel conditions may persist into early next week, even after precipitation ends.
Preparedness Reminders:
• Limit or avoid travel after Saturday morning, especially once precipitation begins.
• Have a plan for power outages and cold temperatures for family members and pets.
• Check on neighbors, particularly older adults and those with medical needs.
• Ensure you have at least a week’s supply of medications, along with oxygen, medical equipment, and batteries if needed.
• Charge phones and devices, and monitor trusted media sources.
Forecast updates will continue as this system evolves.
Stay up to date with local weather and emergency information at https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026.
Sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.
Contact numbers to share: https://alexandercountync.gov/numbers.