January 23, 2026 12:59 PM
STATE OF EMERGENCY
DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, severe winter weather is sweeping the Southeast bringing property damage dangerous conditions.
WHEREAS, the Governor of North Carolina has issued a State of Emergency in response to the pending storm. See Executive Order 31.
WHEREAS, damage to homes and property, widespread power outages, downed trees and utility lines, and impassable roads are likely or have already occurred.
WHEREAS, the lives, health, and property of Cherokee County citizens are imminently threatened by the storm and its aftermath.
WHEREAS, Cherokee County Emergency Management has an Emergency Action Plan in place and has been working with County Government, local utilities and the National Weather Service to assess storm damage, and provide needed rescue services.
WHEREAS, Cherokee County Emergency Services has advised County Government that declaring a State of Emergency is necessary and appropriate to assist in the aftermath of the remnants of the severe weather outbreak.
WHEREAS, the 1986 Cherokee County State of Emergency Ordinance authorizes states of emergency to be declared by the Board of County Commissioners and/or the Chairman.
WHEREAS, North Carolina General Statute 166A-19.22 vests authority in local governments to declare states of emergency.
WHEREFORE, The Honorable Alan Bryant, Chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners, pursuant to the powers vested in me under Chapter 166A, Article lA does hereby:
1. Declare a continuing State of Emergency within the confines of Cherokee County excluding the property and persons within the Town of Andrews, the Town of Murphy and the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
2. A copy of this declaration and subsequent executive orders issued under authority of this declaration shall be posted at county facilities, on Cherokee County's website and shall be distributed by the County Manager to local media outlets.
3. This declaration shall be effective upon signing and shall remain in effect until 7:00 p.m. on January 29, 2026 when such may be reviewed by the full Cherokee County Board of Commissioners or otherwise modified.
4. The Cherokee County Government respectfully requests that the people of Cherokee County of all faiths and beliefs pray for the safety of the residents of the County and region and for emergency responders offering aid and assistance to those in need.
The following executive order(s) are hereby issued by the authority of NCGS 166A-19.31 until further notice or until the expiration of the State of Emergency by the Chairman or the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners:
1. Cherokee County Transit is authorized to utilize vehicles and personnel to assist in emergency operations.
2. Cherokee County Emergency Management is authorized to control ingress and egress in and to emergency areas.
3. Cherokee County Emergency Management is authorized to close, within the emergency area, streets, roads, highways, bridges, public vehicular areas, or other areas ordinarily used for vehicular travel, except to the movement of emergency responders and other persons necessary for recovery from the emergency.
This the 23rd day of January 2026 at 9:47 AM.
-Signed
Alan Bryant
Chairman of the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners
