FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Cumberland County has declared a State of Emergency ahead of a winter storm expected to bring significant ice, dangerously low temperatures and potential widespread power outages beginning Saturday, Jan. 24.
County Emergency Services continues to closely monitor weather conditions and will provide updates through official County communication channels as conditions evolve.
Weather Conditions
Cumberland County remains under a Winter Weather Watch. Forecasts indicate a major winter storm will move into the area beginning Saturday afternoon, bringing freezing rain and sleet. The heaviest precipitation is expected Sunday, with up to one-quarter inch of ice, which is enough to bring down trees and powerlines.
Dangerously low temperatures may persist through Tuesday, increasing the likelihood of prolonged power outages. Northwest Cumberland County, particularly the Spring Lake area, is expected to experience the greatest impact.
Emergency Readiness
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners declared a State of Emergency as a proactive measure to ensure resources and personnel are positioned to respond quickly.
Emergency Services is coordinating response efforts with regional, state and federal partners.
Sheltering and Warming Centers
Weather conditions are expected to meet criteria for activating shelters and warming centers. Operations may change depending on conditions. Transportation to shelters starts when shelters open. If transportation becomes unsafe, residents may need to shelter in place. All County facilities with weekend hours will close Saturday at noon and remain closed on Sunday.
Residents are encouraged to make shelter plans early, as worsening weather conditions may affect transportation.
Emergency Shelters
Westover Recreation Center
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Address: 267 Bonanza Dr., Fayetteville
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Opens: Saturday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m.
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More Information: Pets are accepted at the Westover Recreation Center emergency shelter. Pet owners are responsible for the care of their pets while at the shelter and should provide food, medication and any other pet supplies. Animals will not be housed in the same area of the shelter as people.
The Salvation Army of the Sandhills
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Address: 245 Alexander St., Fayetteville
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More Information: Meals will be provided.
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To ensure the safety of all shelter guests, individuals will be subject to a comprehensive security screening upon check-in, including verification against the sex offender registry, a breathalyzer test, and metal detection screening.
Important Information
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Beginning 10 a.m. on Saturday, residents needing transportation to the emergency 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.
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Transportation services will be suspended should road conditions worsen.
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Those seeking shelter should bring prescription medications, baby formula, snacks for those with dietary restrictions and other essential personal items.
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No medical staff will be onsite; individuals requiring a caregiver must be accompanied.
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Masks are required for individuals who are symptomatic or diagnosed with a communicable illness.
White Flag Shelters (Jan. 23–26)
Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center
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Address: 111 N. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
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Hours: 6 p.m.–8 a.m. (Intake: 5:30–9 p.m.)
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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.
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Dinner and breakfast provided.
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Contact: Call 910-922-6212 or email ccecfavor@gmail.com.
The Salvation Army of the Sandhills
Warming Centers (Jan. 24–26)
FAST Lobby
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Address: 505 Franklin St., Fayetteville
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Hours: 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday.
Cumberland County Public Libraries
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Address: All eight libraries will serve as warming centers. See locations at cumberlandcountync.gov/library
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Hours: Libraries will open at 9 a.m. Saturday, close at 12 p.m. (noon), and remain closed Sunday.
The Salvation Army of the Sandhills
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Address: 245 Alexander St., Fayetteville
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Hours: 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
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More Information: When activated as a warming center, meals will be provided.
Public Safety Reminders
Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel as roads may become hazardous due to ice and freezing rain.
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Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
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For non-emergencies, call 910-600-7299.
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NC 211 and United Way can help connect residents to food, transportation and emergency resources by dialing 2-1-1, 1-888-892-1162, or visiting nc211.org.
Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, older adults and those without reliable heat. Pets should be brought indoors during freezing temperatures.
Updated information will be posted to the Emergency Services webpage at
cumberlandcountync.gov/emergencyservices/storm-updates-resources.
Updates will also be shared on the County website, cumberlandcountync.gov, MyCCNCGov mobile app, Cumberland Alerts and on County social media channels.
Members of the media should call 910-751-0700 for information and inquiries.