State of Emergency Declared for Winter Storm Fern
PROCLAMATION OF A
STATE OF EMERGENCY
The following Proclamation is issued by the Chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners:
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service and other reliable sources have forecast that Winter Storm Fern will impact Western North Carolina, including Haywood County, with hazardous winter precipitation (snow, sleet, and/or freezing rain), strong winds, and dangerously cold temperatures, and a Winter Storm Watch has been issued for our county effective January 24, 2026 at 7am; and an Ice Storm Warning was issued for our county effective January 24, 2026 at 1 pm; and
The expected conditions are likely to cause ice accumulation, downed trees and power lines, hazardous/impassable roadways, disruptions to emergency services, and extended power outages, creating an immediate risk to public health, safety, and property; and
These conditions constitute a threat of injury and/or loss of life and/or property and may overwhelm the capabilities of local resources, necessitating the activation of emergency plans and coordination of response and recovery operations; and
Pursuant to the authority granted under N.C.G.S. Chapter 166A (North Carolina Emergency Management Act), Article 36A of N.C.G.S. Chapter 14, and Chapter 31 of the Haywood County Code of Ordinances, the Chair of the Board of Commissioners is authorized to declare a local State of Emergency and to impose certain restrictions and directives necessary to protect the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, L. Kevin Ensley, Chairman of the Haywood County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim that a State of Emergency exists within Haywood County, effective 1 p.m., January 23, 2026, and continuing until rescinded by the Haywood County Board of Commissioners or until it expires by operation of law.
MUNICIPAL APPLICABILITY
By and with the consent of the mayors of the municipalities within Haywood County, this local State of Emergency applies within the municipal limits of the Town of Waynesville, Town of Clyde, Town of Canton, and Town of Maggie Valley.
ACTIVATION / DIRECTION
The Haywood County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) is hereby activated as needed, and all applicable mutual aid and assistance agreements are in effect.
All county departments, employees, and emergency management personnel subject to the authority of the Chairman are directed to cooperate fully in emergency operations, including staffing, logistics, and implementation of this Proclamation.
EMERGENCY DIRECTIVES AND RESTRICTIONS
Pursuant to Chapter 31 of the Haywood County Code of Ordinances and applicable State law, the following directives may be implemented as conditions warrant:
1) Access to Restricted Areas (Chapter 31 §31.07)
The Emergency Management Coordinator (or designee) may restrict or deny access to any area, road, or location where such restriction is necessary to protect life and property, support response operations, or prevent the emergency from worsening. Restrictions may be communicated by barricades, posted notices, official signage, and/or verbal orders. No person shall enter or attempt to enter restricted areas except as authorized.
2) Travel / Roadway Safety (Chapter 31 emergency authorities)
Given the likelihood of ice-covered roads, whiteouts, and downed trees/lines, the public is urged to avoid all non-essential travel during the storm period. The County may coordinate with NCDOT, municipalities, and law enforcement to implement road closures and detours as necessary.
3) Sheltering / Warming Centers (Chapter 31 §31.05)
I have determined that it may be necessary to activate temporary shelters and/or warming centers due to extended power outages and dangerously cold temperatures. Locations will be activated as needed and publicized through official County communications.
4) Protection of Critical Infrastructure / Utilities
Emergency Management shall coordinate with utility providers, municipalities, NCDOT, and other partners to support the safe and efficient restoration of essential services, including power, water/wastewater, roadway clearance, communications, and medical supply delivery, as conditions allow.
ADMINISTRATION / DISSEMINATION
I direct that copies of this Proclamation be disseminated to municipalities and the media for publication and broadcast, and that a copy be posted in the County Manager’s Office, on the Haywood County website, and at other public locations as appropriate.
This Proclamation is effective as of 3 p.m., January 23, 2026.
s/ L. Kevin Ensley
- Kevin Ensley, Chairman
Haywood County Board of Commissioners
s/ Amy L. Stevens
Amy L. Stevens, Clerk to the Board
Haywood County Board of Commissioners
s/ Jim Trantham s/ Mike Eveland
Jim Trantham, Mayor Mike Eveland, Mayor
Town of Clyde Town of Maggie Valley
s/ Zeb Smathers s/ Gary Caldwell
Zeb Smathers, Mayor Gary Caldwell, Mayor
Town of Canton Town of Waynesville
