Official City Notice: Winter Weather State of Emergency and Service Closures

State of Emergency Declared: Winter Storm Response

The City of Charlotte, in coordination with Mecklenburg County and surrounding municipalities including Cornelius, Davidson, and Huntersville, has declared a State of Emergency effective as of Saturday, January 24, 2026. This declaration remains active today, Sunday, January 25, as the region faces a significant winter storm involving forecasted sleet and ice. Residents are advised that hazardous travel conditions and potential power outages are expected to persist through Monday evening. Local leaders urge all citizens to remain off the roads to allow emergency crews and salt spreaders to operate effectively.

Emergency Shelter Operations and Transportation

In response to the extreme cold and potential for widespread power loss, a primary winter storm shelter has been established at the Grady Cole Recreation Center, located at 310 N. Kings Drive. This facility is equipped with a generator and warming spaces for those in need. Residents seeking shelter should bring essential items, including clothing, toiletries, and necessary prescriptions. Additionally, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) is currently offering free transportation for individuals traveling directly to designated shelters. Expanded capacity is also available at Roof Above for men and the Salvation Army Center of Hope for women and families.

Facility Closures and Program Impacts

Due to the weather emergency, all Mecklenburg County and City of Charlotte public facilities are closed today, Sunday, January 25. This includes:

• All branches of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
• All recreation centers, senior centers, and nature preserves.
• Cane Creek Park and Jesse Helms Park.
• Full-service recycling centers and the William R. Davie recycling site.

Additionally, the Department of Community Support Services has cancelled all visits and exchanges scheduled for the Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange program for today. Standard county operations are tentatively scheduled to resume on a delayed basis starting at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, pending further weather assessments.

Public Health Advisory: Respiratory Illness Alert

Mecklenburg County health officials have issued a high-level health advisory following reports from the CDC indicating that local flu activity has reached its highest level in nearly three decades. Residents are encouraged to practice rigorous sanitation and seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or extreme fatigue. Vaccination remains the primary recommendation for reducing the risk of severe illness during this peak respiratory season.

City Ordinance Reminder: Property Maintenance

While winter weather is the immediate priority, the City of Charlotte reminds property owners of recent updates to the Health and Sanitation Ordinance. Residents are required to maintain vegetation and ensure that grass and weeds do not exceed 12 inches in height. Violations of these standards are subject to civil penalties. Property owners with naturalistic landscapes are encouraged to register their gardens through the city’s official registry to qualify for specific maintenance exemptions.