More ice, less snow increases chance of power outages

LATEST ADVISORY FROM THE BURKE COUNTY JOINT INFORMATION CENTER: 5 P.M. JAN. 23

• Valdese • Rutherford College • Connelly Springs • Hildebran • Glen Alpine • Morganton • Burke County

Key Messages

1. We have identified the location for a shelter, and it is prepared. As soon as it is opened, we will be in communication with the public and stakeholders to announce this location. We have identified community warming shelters that will be opened in the event of a power outage. Those locations will also be announced through the Burke County Government.

2. An ice storm warning is now in effect with 1-3 inches of sleet and snow forecasted starting on Saturday evening between 4-7 p.m. The storm is trending toward a sleet and freezing rain event, which significantly increases the likelihood of long-duration, widespread power outages. Residents should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours and must use generators and alternative heat sources safely.

3. As temperatures drop well below freezing, please make sure animals are protected from the cold. Pets and livestock need proper shelter that is dry, draft-free, and insulated from wind and moisture. Provide warm bedding, unfrozen water, and adequate food to help them maintain body heat. Bring pets indoors whenever possible and check on outdoor animals often. A little preparation can save lives.

4. If you see a vehicle on the side of the road marked with caution tape, this indicates that emergency services have already checked it and does not require additional emergency response at that time.

5. Electric vehicles may be difficult or impossible to charge during widespread power outages, and their battery performance drops sharply when temperatures fall below 35 degrees. Drivers should plan and avoid relying on public charging infrastructure during the storm.

6. All Burke County Convenience Sites and Landfill will open at their regular time on Saturday, Jan. 24, but will close early at noon.

7. Burke County has issued a State of Emergency effective 8 a.m. Saturday to allow emergency measures, travel controls, and response resources to be implemented quickly as conditions deteriorate.

City of Morganton

All City of Morganton recreation facilities will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 24, starting at noon. Bathrooms at all city parks will be closed at that time as well to prevent freezing pipes. The City will reassess opening them on Monday.

Greenway Public Transportation

Greenway Public Transportation will not be available to the public this weekend and will be closed on Monday.

UNC Health Blue Ridge

We are expecting inclement weather across our region this coming weekend. UNC Health Blue Ridge has a comprehensive inclement weather plan in place to ensure the safest possible environment for our patients, visitors, and staff during and after severe weather conditions.

Our team is closely monitoring the forecast and taking all necessary precautions—from supplies and staffing to facilities—to ensure we remain fully prepared.

UNC Health Blue Ridge hospital and the Emergency Department remain open 24/7. The upper parking deck on the Morganton campus will be closed Friday night, Jan. 23, at 9 p.m. and reopen once the winter weather has passed.

If there are any changes to operating hours for our urgent care clinics, primary care, specialty care, and other practices, you can find that information at www.uncbr.org/closings.

Burke County Government

If you plan to use a generator, it must be operated outdoors only and far away from doors, windows, and vents. Never run a generator, grill, or propane heater inside a home, garage, or near open windows. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and can be deadly in minutes. Every home should have working carbon monoxide detectors. Electric vehicle owners should also take this storm into account when planning. Widespread power outages can make charging stations unavailable, and battery performance drops significantly in cold weather, especially when temperatures fall below 35 degrees. Drivers should fully charge their vehicles in advance and avoid relying on public charging during the storm.

To support emergency operations and protect public safety, Burke County has issued a local State of Emergency effective at 8 a.m. Saturday. This declaration allows the county to implement emergency measures, including potential travel restrictions, sheltering operations, and resource deployment, as conditions warrant.

“This storm is looking to produce widespread impacts across the county, and it is essential that residents be self-sufficient for 72 hours,” said Emergency Services Director James Robinson. Robinson added that everyone learned a lot from Helene and how impactful storms can be.

Emergency Services will have extended response times due to road conditions, and there could be a time during the height of the storm when traveling anywhere could be near impossible, even for the most prepared vehicles. “Emergency Services realizes the strain that this weather system will place on the system, and we have strategically placed EMS Units and UTVs around the county to help reduce those extended response times,” said Emergency Services Deputy John Hood.

Burke County’s Joint Information Center will continue to provide updates through official channels as conditions change. Residents are urged to complete preparations now and avoid unnecessary travel once winter weather begins. All non-emergency questions can be directed to the PIO Hotline at 828-764-9388.

SCHOOLS

Burke County Public Schools announced it will make a decision by 4 p.m. Saturday regarding school next week.

Western Piedmont Community College has announced it will be closed Monday, Jan. 26. 

Utility Outage Reporting

• Duke Energy: Call 1-800-769-3766 or text OUT to 57801 to report a power outage with Duke Energy.

• Rutherford Electric Membership / REMC: 1-800-521-0920 or the local office at 828-584-1410.

• Town of Drexel: (828) 430-1794

• City of Morganton Electric Outage Reporting: 828-438-5277 (City Electric Services).

Water/Sewer Outage or Utility Reporting

• City of Morganton Water/Sewer Outage: 828-438-5276.

• Burke County Water & Sewer: 828-764-9063 (Burke County Water & Sewer Office).

• Icard Township Water Corporation: 828-397-6294 (main & emergency contact). • Brentwood Water Corporation: 828-584-4566; after-hours emergency water only at 828-764-7790 or 828-764-7930.

• City of Hickory Public Utilities (Water): 828-323-7427.

If you are a City of Morganton resident, please visit their website for more winter weather-related information at https://www.morgantonnc.gov

If you are a Town of Valdese resident, please visit their website for more winter weather-related information at https://www.townofvaldese.com

If you are a Town of Rutherford College resident, please visit their website for more information at https://www.rutherfordcollegenc.us/

If you are a Town of Connelly Springs resident, please visit their website for more information at https://www.connellysprings.gov/

If you are a Town of Glen Alpine resident, please visit their website for more information at https://www.townofglenalpine.org/

If you are a Town of Hildebran resident, please visit their Facebook page for more information at https://www.facebook.com/Hildebran1/

All Burke County Residents can visit the county’s website at https://www.burkenc.org