Polk County Emergency Management/Fire Marshal

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Polk County Emergency Management/Fire Marshal

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Polk County Emergency Management information for public safety.

10/26/2026

As of 4:45pm- A tractor-trailer carrying hazardous materials overturned on I-26 eastbound (down the grade).
I-26 will be shut down at Hwy 25 in Henderson County, exit 54 for approximately one hour. Then expect intermittent delays for the next few hours.

The Asheville Fire Department's Regional Hazmat Team is on scene.
At this time there is no threat to the public or environment, the shutdown is so crews can safely recover the vehicle and to mitigate any further hazmat spills.

For updates on road closure please visit www.DriveNC.gov

10/17/2026

Bicycle riders are in Polk County. Please expect traffic delays and use caution on the roads.
To view the routes please visit:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1PQp1-TVcShur7OK8zb5zO39SLe16F0A

10/15/2026

Update: Hwy 74 westbound has reopened one lane for traffic. Please proceed with caution.
…………..

Hwy 74 Westbound is closed at Hwy 9 due to an accident. Vehicles will be detoured off at Hwy 9 to Hwy 108, where they will be able to get back on Hwy 74.

One lane is expected to be open at 9:15am. However, the right lane will remain closed. Please procced with caution, as there will still will be NCDOT and Wrecker Service staff on the road conducting repairs and recovery.

The driver sustained minor injuries.

For updated information about traffic please visit www.drivenc.gov

10/15/2026

Saturday Oct 10, 2026 Inclement Weather Update
Inclement Weather Update

The National Weather Service is forecasting Polk County to receive 4 to 6" of rain, with some areas receiving more than 8 inches arriving late this evening.
Be prepared for
➡ Roadway flooding
➡Landslides
➡Downed trees
➡Power outages

Remember that landslides become more likely after approximately 5" of rain in 24 hours.

Please reduce travel by nightfall, when conditions are expected to be at their worst. If you must drive, use extreme caution and never drive through flooded roadways.

Please report non-emegency issues to the Polk County Emergency Operation Center at 828-722-5278.

If you lose power, report the outage directly to your service provider.

Stay safe
Stay weather-aware
Take precautions over the next several hours

10/15/2026

Update to post - Crews were able to complete the work faster than expected. Both lanes should be fully open by 2:00pm.

10/11/2026

Flash Flood Warning from 10/11/2026 5:11 AM to 11:00 AM EDT for Polk County, NC.

10/11/2026

Flash Flood Warning from 10/10/2026 11:16 PM to 10/11/2026 5:15 AM EDT for Polk County, NC.

10/11/2026

Address

Columbus, NC
28722

Telephone

+18288946342

Website

http://Polknc.org/

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