Mayor issues State of Emergency as City preps for winter storm
Published on January 30, 2026
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.- Mayor Mitch Colvin has declared a State of Emergency for the City of Fayetteville effective Friday, Jan. 30 at 9:30 a.m. due to the potential impact of the winter storm forecasted to affect the Fayetteville area starting on Saturday, Jan. 31. The
City is currently preparing for the impact of winter weather conditions set to hit the Fayetteville area Saturday through Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning in effect from 4 p.m. today until midday Sunday. Residents should expect a total snowfall of 4-8 inches.
Street crews have been treating City roadways, along with N.C. Department of Transportation. Salt and sand spreaders are loaded and ready to deploy once precipitation begins. Crews will be on standby throughout the storm, working to ensure continuous coverage and keep roads as clear and safe as possible. Drivers are asked to drive with caution as crews treat the roadways. With the significant amount of snowfall and 25-40 mph wind forecasted, some City services will be impacted over the weekend.
Updates/Changes to City Services:
- Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) will not operate on Saturday, Jan. 31, nor will they operate on Sunday, Feb. 1. The FAST Transit Center will also be closed on these days.
- Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation facilities and gated parks will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 31 and Sunday, Feb. 1.
- Passengers traveling through the Fayetteville Regional Airport should check with their airlines before arriving at the airport for the latest flight status information. They are encouraged to contact their airline directly for any questions on travel and/or flight schedules.
City officials will continue to monitor weather conditions and adjust services as necessary.
City officials encourage the following of Fayetteville residents:
Stay off the roads, if possible, and if not, be extra cautious while driving.
Drivers should reduce their speed. Driving at posted speeds could be extremely dangerous when snow and ice are on the road. Many vehicles lose traction, especially at higher speeds, resulting in serious accidents and vehicle rollovers.
Give plows and spreaders space. Don't crowd equipment, and never pass a plow unless it's absolutely necessary and safe. Heat safely. Keep space heaters away from anything that can burn. Never use ovens, grills, or generators indoors.
Generators belong outside and away from windows/doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Check on neighbors, older adults and individuals without reliable heat.
Pets should be brought indoors during freezing temperatures.
Residents are encouraged to call 911 for any emergencies, including downed trees or powerlines on a road.
Emergency & White Flag Shelters:
- The Salvation Army of the Sandhills
- Address: 245 Alexander St., Fayetteville
- More Information: Meals provided. The Salvation Army shelter is open to individuals and families and maintains a safe environment for all guests. Security screenings are conducted upon check-in, including verification against the sex offender registry, a breathalyzer test, and metal detection screening.
- Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center
- Address: 111 N. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
- Hours: 6 p.m.–8 a.m. (Intake: 5:30–9 p.m.)
- Shuttle service provided to and from the Fayetteville Cares Day Resource Center, 128 S. King St., Fayetteville. Shuttle service will be suspended should road conditions worsen.
- Evening pickup: 5 p.m.
- Morning return: 7:30 a.m.
- Dinner and breakfast provided.
- Contact: Call 910-922-6212 or email ccecfavor@gmail.com.
Warming Center:
- The Salvation Army of the Sandhills
- Address: 245 Alexander St., Fayetteville
- Hours: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
- More Information: When activated as a warming center, meals will be provided.
Transportation to Shelters:
Emergency transportation to shelters will be provided as long as road conditions allow. This service will start Saturday, 7 a.m. Residents who need transportation to a shelter should call the County Non-Emergency Line at 910-600-7299. Families with children must provide car seats in order to use transportation services. Transportation services may be suspended if road conditions worsen. Residents are encouraged to make shelter plans early and to shelter in place if travel becomes unsafe.
Power Outage information:
PWC’s outage map is available at: https://www.faypwc.com/electric-outage-map/. Customers should call (910)483-1382 to report outages or downed power lines.
South River Electric Membership Corporation outage map is available at: SREM.com/outage-center. Customers should call 1-800-338-5530 or 910-892-8071 to report outages or downed power lines.
Duke Energy outage map is available at: Duke-energy.com/outages. Customers should call 1-800-419-6356 to report outages or downed power lines.
Lumbee River Electric Membership Corporation outage map is available at: https://outages.lumbeeriver.com/. Customers should call 1-800-683-5571 or 910-843-4131 to report outages or downed power lines.
Residents can visit FayettevilleNC.gov/ReadyFay for service updates and preparedness tips and follow the City of Fayetteville on social media platforms for updates.
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