State of Emergency Issued with Upcoming Winter Storm
Guilford County has declared a local State of Emergency due to the potential impacts of the forecasted winter storm predicted to move through the area this weekend. The State of Emergency will go into effect at noon (12:00PM) Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Winter Weather Advisory
Guilford County is under a winter storm watch, beginning Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026. The health, safety, and well-being of our residents and stakeholders are our top priorities as we manage storm preparations and brace for storm impacts.
Guilford County is prepared to activate an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in advance of potential inclement weather. The EOC brings together local leadership and partner agencies, including Emergency Management, Fire, Law Enforcement, and other response organizations, to coordinate operations, share timely information, allocate resources, and support strategic decision-making throughout the winter weather event.
Should sheltering become necessary this weekend, leaders and partner agencies would assess community needs through the EOC and coordinate available resources to assist residents who may be impacted. For more information, visit Ready Guilford or ReadyNC.gov.
Severe Weather Safety Information
Be Prepared
The best way to ensure you and your family are prepared is to start the preparedness process well before the disaster occurs. Preparing before a disaster event can ensure your family has a functional emergency plan as well as the essential supplies on hand to be self-sufficient for 72 hours.
- Build your basic emergency supply kit with at least 72 hours' worth of non-perishable food and water per household member, prescription medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit. For a full list of emergency kit items, visit Ready.gov/Kit.
- Charge all of your electronic devices and power banks.
- Ensure you have food and water for your pets.
Make a Plan
- Put a plan together with your family to determine your shelter plan, evacuation routes, and a family communication plan.
- Consider specific needs in your household, such as dietary and medical needs, the varying ages of family members, disabilities, or access and functional needs, including devices, and pets or service animals.
- Visit Ready.gov/Plan for additional tips and resources on emergency planning.
Stay Informed
The Guilford Emergency Alert, Notification, and Information System (GEANI) is an automated system to notify you of urgent and emergency information through your cell phone, home phone and/or email. The system provides time-sensitive, geographically based public safety messages through voice, text, and e-mail, and is available to all residents and businesses within Guilford County (including City of High Point residents in Forsyth, Davidson, and Randolph Counties).