Official Notice: City Declares State of Emergency Amid Winter Storm Warnings

State of Emergency Declared for Charlotte-Mecklenburg

The City of Charlotte, in coordination with Mecklenburg County and surrounding towns, has officially declared a State of Emergency effective today, Saturday, January 24, 2026, starting at 12:00 p.m. This declaration comes in response to a significant winter storm system moving into the region, which is expected to bring substantial sleet and ice accumulation through Monday. Local emergency management officials strongly discourage all non-essential travel after noon today, as road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly. Emergency shelters have been activated across the county for residents who may experience power outages or require a warm environment.

Winter Weather Public Service Advisories

In anticipation of freezing temperatures, Charlotte Water and the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) have issued several critical advisories for residents:

• Frozen Pipe Prevention: Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to prevent home plumbing damage. Key recommendations include letting faucets drip, opening cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat circulation, and ensuring all outdoor hoses are disconnected.
• Roadway Safety: CDOT crews began pre-treating major thoroughfares and bridges on Friday. However, officials warn that brine is less effective against heavy ice. If you must drive, ensure your vehicle is equipped with a flashlight, blankets, water, and food.
• Generator Safety: The Charlotte Fire Department reminds residents that backup generators must remain outdoors and at least 20 feet away from any structure to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Solid Waste and Service Schedule Updates

Due to the new 2026 holiday collection pattern implemented following Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Solid Waste Services has confirmed there will be no collection today, Saturday, January 24. While service delays were experienced earlier in the week, all standard garbage and recycling routes were targeted for completion by Friday evening. Residents are asked to remove any remaining carts from the curb immediately to ensure they do not obstruct salt trucks or snow removal equipment during the storm.

Public Health Advisory

Mecklenburg County Public Health remains under a standing health advisory regarding a recent uptick in respiratory illnesses and specific communicable diseases. Residents are encouraged to ensure they are up to date on all vaccinations, including the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, following regional outbreaks. Additionally, providers have been alerted to an increase in local Mpox cases; residents exhibiting clinically consistent symptoms are urged to contact their healthcare provider or the county health department for testing.

Public Meeting Notices

Due to the weather-related State of Emergency, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Board of Adjustment has announced that its standing meeting previously scheduled for early next week will experience timing changes. The meeting on Tuesday, January 27, has been delayed and is now scheduled to begin at 12:00 p.m. Additional municipal meeting cancellations may follow as the storm progresses.