NOTICE OF DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - NOTICE OF DECLARATION OF LOCAL EMERGENCY:

Shawn M. Utt, County Administrator and Director of Emergency Services for Smyth County, Virginia, has declared a local emergency in Smyth County as of 3:00 p. m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 in regard to anticipated storm damage from Winter Storm Fern. Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring snow, sleet, freezing rain and ice into Smyth County, Va. during the period of Saturday, January 24, 2026 through Sunday, January 25, 2026. Power outages are extremely possible. Roads will become extremely hazardous over the next several days. With severe cold weather to occur the week following Winter Storm Fern conditions are expected to be extremely dangerous. This declaration of a local emergency is made in conjunction with state of emergency declared by the Governor of Virginia on Thursday, January 22, 2026 in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern.
Please be sure to follow this page and Smyth County Public Safety for updates.
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