Town of Clayton Declares State of Emergency
The Town of Clayton has declared a State of Emergency effective Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in advance of Winter Storm Fern, which is forecast to bring a significant mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain to the area.
The declaration follows forecasts indicating hazardous travel conditions, potential power outages, and possible impacts to essential services. The State of Emergency enables the Town to take necessary actions to protect life and property and to respond efficiently as conditions change.
“This declaration allows us to mobilize resources, coordinate response efforts, and ensure our teams are ready to respond as conditions evolve,” said Town of Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod. “We encourage residents to prepare now and take this storm seriously.”
According to Clayton Town Manager Rich Cappola, Town crews have been actively preparing throughout the week for Winter Storm Fern by treating roadways, staging equipment, and coordinating response plans to address potential power outages, hazardous travel conditions, and emergency needs.
Town officials strongly encourage residents to limit travel once winter weather conditions begin, particularly during periods of freezing rain and sleet when roadways can become icy and unpredictable. Reducing non-essential travel helps keep roads clear for emergency responders, utility crews, and public safety personnel who may need to respond to incidents across the community.
For emergencies, residents should always call 911. Emergencies should not be reported through email, text, or social media. Dialing 9-1-1 is the only way to ensure first responders are dispatched.
Residents are also encouraged to prepare for potential power outages and ensure they know how to report service disruptions. Power and water outages should be reported through the Town’s Communication and Outage Messaging System (COMS):
- Power: Text POWER to 919-553-1530
- Water: Text WATER to 919-553-1530
- Online: TownofClaytonNC.org/COMS
- Phone: 919-553-1530
“The Town of Clayton operates its own electric utility, with local linemen ready to respond during inclement weather,” said Cappola. “If outages occur, crews will work as quickly as conditions allow, prioritizing critical needs and the most significant impacts first.”
Because conditions can change quickly, the Town has created a dedicated Winter Weather Information Page with safety tips, outage reporting details, shelter locations, and ongoing updates at TownofClaytonNC.org/winter-info
Mayor McLeod also asked residents for patience and understanding as Town employees respond throughout the storm and its aftermath.
“Our public works, utility, and public safety staff are members of this community, and many will be working long hours in challenging conditions, including overnight shifts and extended time away from their families,” Mayor McLeod said. “I ask our residents for patience, courtesy, and kindness as these teams work to support the community during this event.”
