Avery County Emergency Management

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

⛈️ Hazardous Weather Update ❗️

⚠️Scattered to widespread showers and storms are forecast this afternoon statewide. The primary threat for today is scattered flash flooding, especially in areas that received heavy rainfall yesterday. You can see the full forecast by visiting ReadyNC.Gov/Weather .

🌧️You can be prepared by making sure you are informed. Enable emergency alerts on your cell phone, sign up for notifications from your local emergency management office, and have a plan on where you will go if you need to move away from a flood-prone area. Visit ReadyNC.Gov for more info on how you can be prepared.

🚫Do Not Drive Through Floodwaters! You cannot tell the depth of the water from inside your vehicle or if the roadway remains intact. Turn Around. Don't Drown!

05/25/2026

As we gather with family and friends this Memorial Day weekend, we want to take a moment to remember what this day is truly about.
Avery County Emergency Management honors the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice gave us the freedoms we enjoy every day, and we will never forget their courage or their commitment to something bigger than themselves.
We also keep the families of our fallen heroes in our thoughts today.
While you enjoy the holiday weekend, please stay safe, look out for one another, and take a moment to remember those who never made it home. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

05/20/2026

🔥FIRE🔥
Firefighters are currently responding to a wildfire along Old NC 105 within the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area. Crews are actively working to establish containment lines around the fire, which is burning on both sides of the roadway south of the intersection with Forest Service Road 106.

At this time, there are no road closures in place. However, the public is strongly encouraged to avoid the area and remain alert for any posted notices or future closures to allow emergency personnel the space needed to operate safely.

Smoke may impact nearby communities and roadways, particularly during the evening hours and early morning commute as smoke settles into lower elevations. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling in the area.

Current road conditions can be found at:
https://www.drivenc.gov/

Air quality information is available at:
https://fire.airnow.gov/

For continued wildfire updates, follow the National Forests in North Carolina:
https://www.facebook.com/nfsnc

Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

Avery County Emergency Management received their 2nd Shelter Trailer Saturday . These shelter trailers were procured by an EM grant and will be very useful to quickly set up an emergency shelter.

05/12/2026

Food Truck Night tonight from 4-8PM! Please come join us.

~Sip soda
~Lakeo
~Fork in the road
~Pan de vida
~Smash burgers
~Sweet magnolia
~Diggy donuts
~Cub’s snak shak

05/06/2026

🌧️🌀 Hurricane Preparedness Week – Are You Ready? 🌀🌧️
Avery County may be in the mountains, but the impacts of hurricanes can still reach us—bringing heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and power outages. Now is the time to prepare before a storm is on the way.
✅ Know Your Risk
Flooding and landslides are real concerns in our area. Stay aware of weather conditions and alerts.
✅ Stay Connected
Make sure you have multiple ways to receive warnings—weather radios, phone alerts, and local news.
✅ Prepare for Power Outages
Charge devices, have flashlights ready, and stock up on batteries. Consider how you’ll stay safe if power is out for several days.
✅ Check on Neighbors
Look out for elderly or vulnerable community members who may need extra help preparing.
Preparedness isn’t just for the coast—it’s for all of us. Taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference later.
📣 Follow Avery County Emergency Management for updates, tips, and resources all week long!

05/05/2026

🌪️ Hurricane Preparedness Week is Here! 🌧️
Avery County may be in the mountains, but we are not immune to the impacts of hurricanes. Heavy rain, flooding, high winds, and power outages can all affect our community—even far from the coast.
Now is the time to get prepared before a storm is on the way:
✅ Make a plan – Know where you’ll go and how you’ll communicate with family
✅ Build an emergency kit – Include water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and important documents
✅ Stay informed – Monitor weather updates and follow trusted sources
✅ Prepare your property – Clear gutters, secure loose outdoor items, and be aware of flood-prone areas
✅ Have multiple ways to receive alerts – Cell phone alerts, weather radios, and local notifications
Remember: It only takes one storm to make a big impact. Preparation now can save lives later.
📢 Follow Avery County Emergency Management for updates, tips, and resources all week long.