Guilford County has declared a local State of Emergency ahead of a potentially significant winter storm that’s expected to impact the Triad this weekend, and county officials are warning residents to prepare now for snow, ice and possible power outages.

The declaration took effect on noon Thursday, January 22, 2026, and is intended to give emergency responders time to stage equipment and supplies before conditions deteriorate.

Forecasts indicate Guilford County could see significant snow and ice accumulations, with hazardous road conditions, downed trees and power lines and scattered outages possible.

“Our Emergency Management officials have advised that we are expecting this storm to have a significant impact in many parts of Guilford County,” said Skip Alston, the chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners. Alston urged all residents to take the storm seriously, limit travel during and immediately after the event and monitor official updates as conditions evolve.

County emergency officials say impacts could begin as early as Saturday, though the National Weather Service is still refining its forecast.

 Residents are encouraged to sign up for weather alerts through G.E.A.N.I. at ReadyGuilford.org and to follow county social media channels and local news outlets for updates.

Municipalities and townships across Guilford County may also sign on to the emergency declaration and coordinate response efforts under the county’s Emergency Operations Plan.

Officials are advising residents to stay off the roads if at all possible once conditions worsen – not only for personal safety but to allow emergency responders and utility crews to do their work.

Private preparations may prove just as important. Many longtime residents know that winter storms in Guilford County often bring brief but disruptive power outages. Families are being encouraged to charge cell phones and keep car chargers on hand as a backup, ensure vehicles have sufficient fuel and gather blankets, flashlights and extra batteries now – not after the lights go out.

Homes with exposed plumbing should have cabinet doors opened to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

 Residents with gas logs or fireplaces may want to confirm pilot lights are lit in advance. Food that doesn’t require heating is also a smart precaution if electricity is lost.

State officials are also emphasizing an often overlooked danger during winter storms – carbon monoxide poisoning. North Carolina health officials warn that gasoline-powered generators, grills and camp stoves should never be used indoors or in garages, even with doors or windows open.

These devices must be operated outdoors only and should be at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can build to deadly levels within minutes. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, headaches, confusion and fainting – and people who are asleep may never notice warning signs.

 State health officials say everyone, especially older adults, children and those with chronic illnesses, should have working carbon monoxide detectors installed on each level of their home.

Governor Josh Stein has declared a statewide emergency in advance of the storm.

More winter weather safety information is available at ReadyNC.gov.

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