Due to the potential catastrophic impacts predicted in wake of Winter Storm Fern, Halifax County declared a State of Emergency today at 12:00 p.m. that will remain in effect until modified or rescinded. 

A curfew is being imposed for all non-essential travel in all areas within the jurisdiction of Halifax County from Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. until Monday, January 26, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. as a primary directive of the State of Emergency. 

Halifax County encourages all municipal governments within the county to adopt the same State of Emergency and curfew.

In cooperation with Halifax County Schools, Halifax County will open and staff two shelters, located at William R. Davie Middle S.T.E.M. Academy, 4391 US Highway 158, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 and Inborden Elementary/Enfield Middle S.T.E.A.M. Academy, 13587 NC Highway 481, Enfield, NC 27823. 

A warming center will also be located at Hollister Elementary Leadership Academy, 37432 NC Highway 561, Hollister, NC 27844. The shelters and warming center will open at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and will remain open for the duration of the winter storm event.

These shelters can house up to 150 people. Halifax County asks that those who are mobile and do not have medical needs to shelter in place at home to maintain shelter space for the elderly and those who must have access to medical equipment. As a reminder, shelter staff are only able to provide basic first aid. Those who come to the shelters must bring their own durable medical equipment and medications. Shelters will have security. Limited food and water supplies will be available at the shelters.

If the Town of Scotland Neck loses power, the Hattie Palmer Staton Senior Center of Excellence, located at 1403 Church Street, Scotland Neck, NC 27874, will open as a shelter and has a capacity of housing up to 50 people.

Pets are not permitted in the shelters. Halifax County Animal Control will provide an animal trailer to be located at William R. Davie Middle S.T.E.M. Academy that has a limited capacity to hold up to 20 animals. If a citizen brings a pet to the shelter, the pet must be kept inside the vehicle. For those citizens with livestock or horses, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will open the Ag Emergency Hotline, 866-645-9403, on Saturday morning for citizens to call with concerns related to downed trees on fencelines, loose livestock, companion animal sheltering needs, structure collapses, etc.

The North Carolina Joint Information System offered the following key points: It is important that all North Carolinians finish preparations by Friday evening. How can you prepare?

Be Informed.

Follow reputable sources of information like local media, the National Weather Service, and your local emergency management agency.

Visit ReadyNC.Gov for information on how you can prepare for this winter storm and to access links and resources.

Have a Plan.

How will you safely heat your home if the power goes out?

Where will you go if you cannot stay at home?

How will you cook safely if the power is out? Have your Disaster Kit ready to go including the following:

One gallon of water per person in your household for 3-7 days

Enough non-perishable foods for each member of your household

Pet supplies and food

Flashlights

Extra batteries

Cell phone charging supplies

AM/FM weather radio

Winter weather clothing

Blankets

Fire extinguisher

First aid kit

Starting Saturday morning, plan to stay home and off the roads until at least Monday. NC DOT crews and first responders should be given priority on the roadway. Help them help us and stay home. Stranded vehicles may be left on the side of the road and marked with a piece of yellow caution tape. If you see a vehicle with yellow caution tape on the mirror or wrapping the vehicle, it has been checked by first responders, and it is not an emergency.

Only call 911 for emergencies. Do not call 911 for power outages or general information. 911 is for emergencies only, and the lines must be kept open. For general information, please contact 211 or follow your local government and emergency management agency online at halifaxnc.com and @HalifaxCountyNC on Facebook. For the most up-to-date roadway information, visit DriveNC.gov