County declares State of Emergency ahead of winter storm

January 22, 2026

Moore County has declared a state of emergency ahead of a winter storm expected to potentially bring freezing rain, sleet, and snow from Jan. 23–27. The storm could cause widespread damage, including power outages and dangerous road conditions, so the commissioners are proactively implementing safety measures.

County Manager Wayne Vest previously announced the opening of an emergency shelter at the county Parks and Recreation site, located at 155 Hillcrest Park Lane in Carthage. The Moore County Department of Public Safety also released winter weather preparedness guidelines and urges drivers to avoid non-essential travel at all costs.

The new declaration activates the county’s emergency operations plan. It directs law enforcement, county employees, and emergency responders to coordinate storm response and orders residents to follow emergency guidelines. The county can open shelters, and the county manager is authorized to make emergency purchases.

The order also prohibits price gouging on essentials such as food, water, fuel, generators, lodging, and construction materials for the duration of the emergency.

The declaration takes effect at 6 p.m. Jan. 23 and is set to expire Jan. 27 unless extended.

Read the full resolution as adopted unanimously by the Moore County Board of Commissioners below.

DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY

COUNTY OF MOORE, NORTH CAROLINA

WINTER STORM 1 OF JANUARY 2026

FREEZING RAIN, SLEET, SNOW, LOW TEMPERATURES

POTENTIAL WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES AND TREACHEROUS ROADS

WHEREAS, pursuant to Moore County’s State of Emergency Ordinance, Chapter 166A of the North Carolina General Statutes, Article 36A of Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes, and in accordance with the Moore County Emergency Operations Plan, the Chairperson of the Board of Commissioners is authorized and empowered to declare a State of Emergency exists within the County of Moore; and

WHEREAS, Winter Storm 1 of January 2026 (herein “Severe Weather Event”) is anticipated to significantly impact Moore County beginning Saturday, January 23, 2026, through Tuesday, January 27, 2026; and

WHEREAS, due to the imminent threat of significant amounts of freezing rain, sleet, and/or snow, it is anticipated that Moore County will experience widespread power outages with freezing temperatures and treacherous, impassable roadways, as well as potential damage to public and private property with down trees and powerlines; and

WHEREAS, the impacts from the Severe Weather Event constitutes a State of Emergency as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. 166A-19.3(6) and 166A-19.3(20), and

WHEREAS, certain measures are necessary to ensure the protection and safety of Moore County residents and to coordinate the emergency response among state and local entities and officials; and

WHEREAS, declaring a State of Emergency is necessary to protect the lives, safety, and property of people within the County, to maintain an acceptable level of public services within the County, and to facilitate activities of emergency and repair crews within the County.

NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the County of Moore, North Carolina, I, Nick Picerno, do declare as follows:

Section 1. A State of Emergency is hereby declared in the County of Moore, North Carolina within the unincorporated portions of Moore County (which excludes municipalities).

Section 2. I hereby order all County law enforcement officers, employees, and all emergency management personnel subject to our control, to cooperate in the enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this Declaration, all applicable local ordinances, state and federal laws, and the County of Moore’s Emergency Operations Plan.

Section 3. All civilians and emergency services workers are hereby ordered to comply with the Moore County Emergency Operations Plan.

Section 4. County personnel are authorized to open shelters as necessary to provide for the safety of citizens who are without power, food, or water.

Section 5. The County Manager/designee is authorized to make emergency purchases and contracts as necessary as it relates to the Emergency Declaration.

Section 6. Municipalities are encouraged to coordinate response efforts with the Moore County Emergency Management.

Section 7. Price-Gouging Prohibited: Pursuant to N.C Gen. Stat. 75-38, price gouging is prohibited within Moore County for the duration of this declared State of Emergency.

It shall be unlawful for any person or business to sell or rent goods or services within the Emergency Area at prices that are unreasonably excessive under the circumstances, including but not limited to necessities such as food, water, fuel, generators, lodging, construction materials, or emergency services. Violations of this prohibition constitute unfair and deceptive trade practices and are subject to civil penalties, enforcement actions, and remedies as provided by law. Suspected violations may be reported to local law enforcement or the North Carolina Department of Justice.

Section 8. I hereby order that this Declaration: (a) be distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its message to the attention of the general public; (b) to be filed with Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners for the County of Moore; and (c) to be distributed to all the municipalities within the County, and to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this Declaration.

This Declaration shall become EFFECTIVE on January 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and shall automatically EXPIRE on January 27, 2027, at 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise extended.

Signed the 22^ndday of January 2026.
Nick Picerno, Chairman
County Board of Commissioners