Weather Alert: State of Emergency Declared

Governor Stein has declared a State of Emergency for North Carolina ahead of a winter storm. We expect rain to transition into freezing rain and sleet starting Saturday morning in Area 1. Dangerous wind chills are forecasted for Monday. Use today to prepare and stay off the roads once the ice begins to accumulate.

Sources

2026-01-23 | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Murphy&state=NC

2026-01-21 | https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/21/governor-stein-declares-state-emergency-ahead-winter-storm

Soundcheck Friday: Weekend Live Music

The mountains are full of music tonight. Here is the local lineup:

* Blairsville: Mike Lane at The Flying Trout (6–9 PM).

* Blue Ridge: Weekend sets at Grumpy Old Men Brewing (7–9 PM).

* Murphy: Hunter Flanagan at The Mason Bar.

Sources

2026-01-23 | https://www.flyingtroutblairsville.com/events

2026-01-22 | https://grumpyoldmenbrewing.com/music%2Fevents

2026-01-23 | https://www.facebook.com/themasonbar/

New Music: “Dirt Road Dreams” by D.Wayne Anthony

Local artist D.Wayne Anthony has released a soulful new track that captures the spirit of our backroads. It is a tribute to the history and freedom found in every bend of the mountain gravel.

Sources

2026-01-23 | https://music.Riverrun.digital/Dirt-Road-Dreams

2026-01-23 | https://music.Riverrun.digital/WayneAnthony

Community & Sports

* Brasstown: Bluegrass Week kicks off Monday at the John C. Campbell Folk School.

* Basketball: Fannin County Rebels (18-1) continue their dominant run while Union County preps for a heavy-hitting regional matchup.

Sources

2026-01-21 | https://www.folkschool.org/events/

2026-01-22 | https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/blue-ridge/fannin-county-rebels/basketball/

Weather & Safety: Sunny and Mild

It’s a “Chamber of Commerce” weather day for Murphy and Blue Ridge, with sunshine and highs in the 50s.

* Safety Check: Fire danger is currently low, but dry air and low humidity mean extra caution with outdoor burning.

* Sources:

* 2026-01-22 | https://products.climate.ncsu.edu/fwip/nc_danger/

* Undated | https://weatherspark.com/h/m/15680/2026/1/Historical-Weather-in-January-2026-in-Blue-Ridge-Georgia-United-States

Rivalry Night: Murphy @ Robbinsville

The Murphy Bulldogs travel to Graham County tonight to face the Robbinsville Black Knights.

* Details: Boys Varsity listed for 8:30 p.m. Expect a capacity crowd.

* Sources:

* 2026-01-22 | https://www.maxpreps.com/nc/murphy/murphy-bulldogs/basketball/schedule/

Sports Recap: Fannin County Wins Big

The Fannin County Rebels boys basketball team picked up a decisive win over Armuchee on Wednesday.

* Scoreboard: Fannin County 68, Armuchee 25.

* Sources:

* 2026-01-21 | https://www.maxpreps.com/ga/blue-ridge/fannin-county-rebels/basketball/

Local Legend: Donald Davis at Folk School

Renowned storyteller Donald Davis will be performing next week (Jan 26–28) as part of the John C. Campbell Folk School’s Centennial.

* Why it matters: Davis is a cornerstone of Appalachian oral tradition. Performances are free and open to the public.

* Sources:

* 2026-01-22 | https://www.folkschool.org/events/centennial-celebration/

* 2026-01-07 | https://thelaurelofasheville.com/latest-news-and-updates/storyteller-donald-davis-to-appear-at-john-c-campbell-folk-school/

Community: Thursday Night Karaoke

Grumpy Old Men Brewing in Blue Ridge hosts their weekly Karaoke night tonight.

* Sources:

* 2026-01-22 | https://www.blueridgemountains.com/events/

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🚨 The Threat: Ice Storm Warning

Meteorologists are forecasting significant ice accumulation (0.25” to 0.50”) for Western North Carolina and North Georgia.

* Timing: Precipitation begins Friday; freezing likely Friday night into Saturday.

* Impact: High risk of widespread power outages due to ice loading on trees and lines. Travel will likely be impossible.

💧 The “Well Water” Rule

If you rely on a well, your water supply is dependent on electricity.

* Action: Fill your bathtub and spare containers NOW.

* Why: You will need this water to manually flush toilets (pour a bucket into the bowl) and for basic hygiene if the power is out for 2–4 days.

* Drinking Water: Store at least one gallon of clean drinking water per person, per day.

⚡ Power & Heat Safety

* Generators: NEVER operate a generator indoors, in a garage, or on a covered porch. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. Keep generators at least 20 feet from the home.

* Heat Sources: Do not use gas ovens or stovetops for heat. If using a fireplace, ensure the flue is open and the chimney is clear.

* Conservation: If power fails, close off unused rooms. Set up a “warm room” (usually the living room) where the family sleeps and stays together to conserve body heat.

🚗 Travel: The “Stay Put” Protocol

* Deadline: Complete all errands (pharmacy, grocery, feed store) by Thursday evening.

* Roads: Ice makes mountain roads, especially steep driveways and secondary roads, impassable. 4WD does not help on solid ice.

* Emergency: If you absolutely must drive Friday morning, pack an emergency kit with blankets, food, and water.

Sources

* NWS Winter Safety: https://www.weather.gov/jan/winterweathersafety

* Power Outage Prep: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OEM/Posts/Post/Navigating-a-Winter-Power-Outage-Essential-Steps-to-Stay-Safe-and-Warm

* Ready.gov Ice Storms: https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2024-08/ready-gov_winter-storm_info-sheet.pdf

Appalachia Daily Update (ADU) is produced by RiverRun.Digital. Stay safe and stay connected at https://go.riverrun.digital.