City of Statesville Prepared as Winter Storm Watch is Issued

January 21, 2026, 1:42pm

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of western North Carolina, including the region surrounding Statesville. The watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon.

In preparation, City of Statesville departments are ready and positioned to respond to hazardous travel conditions, potential power outages, and prolonged impacts that may continue into early next week.

City crews have been actively preparing equipment, staffing, and response plans to ensure continuity of services and public safety throughout the weather event.

Winter Storm Watch Details

According to the National Weather Service:

• What: Heavy mixed precipitation possible, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
• Snow and sleet accumulations of 1 to 6 inches possible
• Ice accumulations between 0.4 and 1 inch possible
• When: Saturday morning through Monday afternoon
• Impacts:
• Significant ice accumulation on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages
• Ice- and snow-covered roads may become treacherous or impassable
• Power outages could last multiple days in some areas
• Hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning commute
• Additional Details:
• Higher snow and sleet accumulations are possible north of I-40
• Higher ice accumulations are possible in the southern and western mountain regions

Forecast details may continue to change as this system develops. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates closely.

City Departments Are Ready

City departments have implemented preparedness measures and incident action plans to respond quickly and effectively as conditions develop.

• Street crews are prepared with snowplows and additional equipment, with personnel on standby to assist as needed.

• Electric crews have trucks, equipment, and contractors ready to respond to outages and downed trees or powerlines.

• Fire and Police departments have incident action plans in place, with staffing and response plans ready to support emergency calls, medical needs, and hazardous conditions.

• City staff continue to coordinate across departments to ensure a unified response throughout the weather event.

Additional updates will be shared as conditions evolve.

How Residents Can Prepare Now

Residents are encouraged to complete preparations by Friday evening and plan to remain at home through the weekend.

Be Informed

• Follow trusted sources such as local media, the National Weather Service, and City of Statesville communications.

• Monitor official City social media channels and emergency alerts.

• Visit ReadyNC.gov for winter weather preparedness tips and resources.

Have a Plan

• How will you safely heat your home if the power goes out?

• Where will you go if you cannot safely remain at home?

• How will you cook safely during a power outage?

• Make sure pets and household members are included in your plan.

Check Your Disaster Kit

Ensure you have enough supplies for 3–7 days, including:

• At least 1 gallon of water per person per day

• Non-perishable food

• Pet food and supplies

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• Cell phone charging supplies

• AM/FM weather radio

• Winter weather clothing and blankets

• Fire extinguisher

• First aid kit

Travel Advisory

Residents should consider delaying all travel beginning Saturday morning. If travel is absolutely necessary:

• Drive with extreme caution
• Carry a winter storm kit, including blankets, flashlight, extra clothing, water, and emergency supplies
• Allow NC DOT crews and first responders priority access to roadways

Stranded vehicles may be marked with yellow caution tape after being checked by first responders. Vehicles marked in this way are not emergencies.

Power Outages & Downed Lines: Safety and Reporting

Strong winds, ice, and freezing rain can cause downed power lines and trees, creating extremely dangerous conditions.

Downed Power Lines

• Stay away from any downed or low-hanging power lines.

• Never assume a power line is not energized.

• Report downed power lines to 911 immediately.

Downed Trees

• If you encounter a downed tree that is not an emergency, report it to the City’s non-emergency number at 704-878-3406.

• If a downed tree is creating an immediate danger, call 911.

Power Outage Updates

Outages can be reported at (704) 878-3479. If there is a major outage, updates will be shared through the city website and Facebook.

Ongoing Updates

City of Statesville departments will continue monitoring weather conditions and will provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official City communication channels and take this storm seriously to protect themselves and their families.