01/23/2026
Here are our key messages for the upcoming winter storm from the Burke County Joint Information Center...
January 22, 2026
Burke County Enacts State of Emergency for Weekend Winter Storm. Residents Urged to Prepare
Key Messages
• The storm is now 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.
• 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.
• All Burke County Convenience Sites and Landfill will open at their regular time on Saturday, January 24th, but will close early at Noon.
• Burke County has issued a State of Emergency effective 8:00 a.m. Saturday to allow emergency measures, travel controls, and response resources to be implemented quickly as conditions deteriorate.
A Winter Storm Watch remains in effect for all of Burke County from Friday night through Monday afternoon.