Union County is bracing for Winter Storm Fern, with local leadership taking preemptive action to protect residents. In a statement obtained by Union County officials, Board of County Commissioners Chairman Brian Helms has signed a State of Emergency Declaration set to take effect Saturday, Jan. 24, at 7 a.m., a move aimed squarely at mitigating the storm's potential fallout. As a part of the emergency measures, the Sheriff's Office now possesses the authority to shut down roads posing a threat due to hazardous conditions and can issue citations for those who choose to ignore emergency barricades.
As Winter Storm Fern barrels down, expected to beset the region with sleet and plummeting temperatures, conditions ripe to spawn icy roads, downed trees, and power outages, the county's Emergency Management Director Andrew Ansley will activate the Emergency Operations Center. The hub is designed to closely monitor the storm, directing the county's response and ensuring the flow of essential updates to the public. "Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our residents. Please stay off the roads once the storm arrives so our emergency responders and utility crews can do their jobs safely. We're prepared to help coordinate any necessary response efforts with our local and state partners." Ansley declared, urging locals to avoid the roads to allow emergency and utility crews to safely conduct their work. The dire circumstances call for residents to ready themselves, and they are encouraged to stay informed by visiting the county's disaster preparedness website.
County officials are pushing a message of extreme caution. Residents are urged to "Prepare now by reviewing our winter preparedness webpage that includes information on building an emergency kit, signing up for UC Alerts, and planning for possible power outages," according to a recent news release. The crescendo of the storm is forecast to peak over the weekend, extending into Monday morning, compelling all to avoid travel and use 911 only for urgent emergencies.
While the storm promises to test the mettle of county infrastructure, essential public safety services will persevere, remaining operational throughout the tempest. However, all Union County Government facilities and services have been determined to close throughout the weekend, scheduled to resume, albeit on a delay, come Monday, Jan. 26. For those hunkering down and hungering for the latest storm updates, the county has encouraged keeping a vigilant eye on both the official county website and the Union County Government's Facebook page for the most current information.
