Full Notification

McDowell County Emergency Services is urging residents to make final storm preparations as a dangerous ice storm is expected to impact the county beginning this evening and continuing into Sunday.

Forecasts indicate damaging ice accumulations that are expected to make roadways extremely hazardous and potentially impassable. As conditions deteriorate, the opportunity to safely reach an emergency shelter using McDowell Transit is rapidly closing. Residents who anticipate needing shelter are strongly encouraged to relocate as soon as possible, before travel becomes unsafe.

Residents needing transportation assistance to reach an emergency shelter should contact McDowell Transit immediately at 828-559-0744. Once hazardous conditions develop, McDowell Transit will not be operating.

Dangerous conditions are expected to develop later this evening, with freezing rain and ice leading to widespread travel disruptions, power outages, and increased risk to public safety.

The following emergency shelters are open and available:

General Population Shelter
Glenwood Baptist Church
155 Glenwood Baptist Church Road, Marion
(Adults, children, and small pets welcome)

Special Needs Medical Shelter
McDowell County Senior Center
100 Spaulding Road, Marion
(For individuals dependent on critical medical equipment such as oxygen, ventilators, CPAP machines, and similar devices. Remember to bring your O2 concentrators and any other medical devices necessary to support life. Family members are permitted to stay with their loved one in the Special Needs Shelter)

Residents coming to either shelter should bring essential personal items, including toiletries, and all required medications, as well as chargers and supplies needed for continued use.

Both shelters are equipped with emergency generators to maintain operations during potential power outages.

McDowell County Emergency Services strongly encourages residents to complete travel and shelter decisions immediately. Once conditions worsen, emergency response and transportation services may be severely limited.

Additional updates will be provided as conditions change. Residents with questions can contact the McDowell County Winter Storm Hotline by dialing 828-652-3241.