Transylvania County Winter Storm Fern Update, Noon
Transylvania County Chairwoman Teresa McCall issued a State of Emergency in effect from January 23, 2026 due to the projected impacts of Winter Storm Fern in Transylvania County.
The storm is expected to arrive between 12 PM to 4 PM with accumulations of up to an inch of ice and frigid temperatures creating hazardous road conditions and potential for extensive loss of power in the county. All residents are advised not to travel for any non-emergency reasons and to prepare to be at home for up to 72 hours with potential loss of power. Travel conditions are expected to remain hazardous even after the storm passes due to ongoing extreme temperatures predicted into early next week.
Transylvania County Emergency Management and partner agencies throughout the county have prepared plans to facilitate emergency response throughout the storm with additional staffing and staging across the county. The Transylvania County Emergency Operations Center is activated and will be staffed 24 hours daily through the duration of the storm.
Emergency Shelter plans are in place should widespread and protracted power outages occur. 911 should only be called in the event of an emergency. Power outages should be reported to providers directly so that service can be restored as soon as conditions are safe for crews to respond.