Forsyth County Officials Warn of Significant Icing Ahead of Winter Storm Fern

Forsyth County emergency-management officials and the National Weather Service alerted residents that Winter Storm Fern brought a high risk of significant icing across the county, raising the likelihood of power outages and downed trees. The briefings on Jan. 22, 2026, focused on public safety steps for households and businesses as crews prepared to respond.

The National Weather Service outlined conditions favorable for widespread freezing rain that could coat roadways, tree limbs and power lines. Forsyth County Emergency Management advised stocking at least several days of food and water, securing necessary medications, and developing warming plans should heat fail during prolonged outages. County officials said crews would be staged to respond to power outages and fallen trees as the storm moved through the region.

Local authorities emphasized limiting travel if at all possible. Icing can create black-ice conditions on secondary roads and bridges, increasing crash and spinout risk even where plows are not normally deployed. Emergency-management officials urged residents to check on vulnerable neighbors, including older adults and those with medical needs, and to move children and pets away from exposed pipes and cold areas if heating fails.

Businesses were asked to review continuity plans and to protect outdoor equipment and signage that could be damaged by heavy ice accumulation. Public works departments planned to prioritize emergency routes and critical infrastructure, and utility crews prepared mutual-aid agreements to accelerate restoration where lines and poles were compromised.

The Jan. 22 briefings included practical guidance for preparing for long-duration outages: charge mobile devices, identify an indoor location to shelter with a reliable heat source, keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food, and avoid using generators indoors. Forsyth County Emergency Management provided local agency contact information during the briefings for residents seeking assistance or reporting outages and downed lines.

This event has local consequences beyond immediate disruptions. Icing can cause extended restoration times when multiple distribution lines and large trees are damaged, affecting schools, small businesses and medical facilities. Residents with heating-dependent medical equipment were advised to confirm backup power plans and to coordinate with care providers.

Forsyth County residents should continue to monitor National Weather Service forecasts and follow updates from Forsyth County Emergency Management. Preparation now can reduce risk and speed recovery; for many households, simple steps taken before the worst of the storm can mean fewer disruptions and faster returns to normal once Winter Storm Fern passes.