Winter Storm Update – McDowell County
The McDowell County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is providing an update following the winter storm that moved through the area yesterday, bringing sleet and freezing rain and creating hazardous conditions across the county.
At the height of the storm Sunday evening, nearly 300 Duke Energy customers were without power. Duke Energy reported this morning that power has now been restored to all locations in McDowell County.
NCDOT and local public works crews worked throughout the night clearing ice from roadways and treating surfaces to improve driving conditions. Icy conditions are still present particularly on secondary roads. For the most up-to-date road conditions, residents are encouraged to visit https://drivenc.gov/.
Dangerously cold temperatures are expected tonight, with overnight lows forecast near 3 degrees. Due to these extreme cold conditions, emergency shelters will remain open until midday Tuesday to ensure residents have a safe, warm place to stay.
Emergency Shelter Locations:
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. Residents should bring their medical equipment to the shelter.)
Warming Stations open today (1/26/26) from 10am to 4pm at twelve different locations in McDowell County. See the graphic for a list of locations that will be open and staffed with volunteers. We appreciate the partnership with McDowell’s VOAD and all the churches and nonprofits who continue to assist with each EOC activation.
The McDowell County Winter Storm Hotline remains activated. Residents with questions or storm-related concerns may call 828-652-3241.
The McDowell County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.
