Winter Storm Fern leaves blanket of sleet, snow, ice

Both the Town of Taylorsville and Alexander County Government declared a State of Emergency effective Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in preparation for Winter Storm Fern, which impacted the area last weekend with significant sleet and snow. Declaring a State of Emergency allows the Town and County to prepare in advance, coordinate resources, and respond quickly as conditions change.

An emergency shelter was opened on Sunday at Alexander Central High School and was utilized by six persons, according to county staff. It closed at 1:00 p.m. Monday. Throughout shelter operations, Alexander County staff from Social Services, Public Health, the PORT Community Paramedic program, the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, and Emergency Management worked directly with shelter clients to develop individualized plans and support their transition to safe, longer-term arrangements. Resources provided included assistance with heating, food, and transportation.

A warming station will remain available in the lobby of the Alexander County Detention Center for individuals who need a brief place to warm up. This warming station is intended for short-term warming only and is not an overnight shelter.

There were no power outages reported in Alexander County, a county press release noted.

Alexander County Sheriff Chad Pennell said that a mix of sleet, snow, and freezing rain fell over the county during the weekend.

Pennell said that his officers fared pretty well during the wintry weather without too many issues. Almost all of the Sheriff’s Office vehicles are now equipped with all-wheel drive. Officers assisted several motorists whose vehicles had become stranded or had slid off roadways. Pennell said officers also helped staff the emergency shelter.

“You can talk until you’re blue in the face about people preparing and staying home,” Pennell said, “but not everyone listens.” He noted that during winter weather events, if residents stay off the roads, it helps officers, emergency services, linemen, Dept. of Transportation, and other personnel better serve the public.

Taylorsville Police Chief Mike Millsaps reported no major policing issues in town due to the winter storm.

Jeffery Sigmon, Alexander County Emergency Medical Services Director, said his crews responded to several ATV and UTV accidents and also several falls. He said he appreciated the assistance paramedics had from the Rescue Squad and fire departments. He was not aware of any medical calls involving sledding accidents.

Alexander County Government offices were closed on Monday and Tuesday, opening Wednesday on a 2-hour delay. Parks and convenience sites remained closed. The landfill operated on a 2-hour delay.

Alexander County Schools were on remote learning protocol Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, due to hazardous conditions on back roads throughout the county, as well as lingering ice on school campuses. All school buildings were closed.

To receive emergency alerts from Alexander County, residents should sign up for CodeRED at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED.

Residents can also stay informed through the county website (https://alexandercountync.gov/winter-storm-january-2026), Facebook (www.facebook.com/alexandercounty), Town of Taylorsville Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566820799679 and local news.

Residents should call 911 only in the event of an emergency. For non-emergency calls, contact the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 632-2911.