Thursday, January 22, 2026 (11:30 am)
Winter Storm Fern - January 24 - January 26
While we are still 48 hours away and conditions are subject to change, a significant winter storm is expected to move into our area Saturday evening through Monday morning, with current forecasts showing 12–18 inches of snow and very frigid temperatures lasting well into next week. With frigid temperatures, this will be a long‑duration event and we’re preparing accordingly. This could be one of our biggest snowstorms in the last decade. With lingering cold temperatures, snow and ice will remain for many days.
City Preparations:
Our Public Works team has activated its snow removal plan with rotating 12‑hour shifts beginning Saturday evening. All equipment is operational and we have a private contractor on standby if additional support is needed. We may not get to your particular street during the height of the storm, but we will get to it. Fire, EMS, Police and Utilities have all activated their snow emergency plans to ensure continuity of service and emergency response.
Snow Emergency Routes –
No Parking Starting 5 PM Saturday:
To ensure plows can safely clear streets, no parking will be allowed on designated snow emergency routes beginning at 5 PM Saturday until further notice.
• Queen Street (Commerce to Wilson)
• King Street (Spring to Kentucky)
• Winchester Avenue (King to City Limits)
• Raleigh Street (King to Race)
• N. Tennessee Avenue (King to Memorial Park Avenue)
Please move vehicles off these routes to help keep roads passable and protect parked cars from damage. Vehicles may be towed.
Emergency Access / First Responders:
Police, Fire, and EMS will coordinate directly with Public Works to ensure plows can clear access for first responders to respond to emergencies. For emergencies, call 911. It would be very helpful if folks could assist us by keeping fire hydrants accessible.
City Hall & Municipal Court:
City Hall and the Courts may be closed on Monday, depending on conditions, to allow Public Works to focus on emergency routes and streets. A final decision will be made Sunday and shared with the public.
Garbage Collection:
Garbage pickup on Monday will likely be delayed, as it may not be safe for drivers and trucks to operate. Sanitation employees will assist with snow removal operations.
Driveways/Sidewalks:
Folks get very frustrated by having their driveways plowed in. The best advice is to wait until after the snow quits falling and for plows to clear streets before clearing driveways. To reduce the risk of your driveway being blocked by Martinsburg snowplows, shovel a pocket on the left side of your driveway (as you face the street). This gives plowed snow a place to go without piling across your entrance. Plow drivers do not intend to purposely plow in your driveway, but it's often unavoidable to clear streets. Sidewalks are required to be cleared by adjacent property owners 24 hours after snowfall ends.
Power Outages:
To report a power outage to First Energy:
Text Messaging
Text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS).
If you’re not enrolled in text messaging, text REG to 544487 to get started.
To receive the latest update for your reported outage: Text STAT to 544487.
Cellphone/Telephone:
To report an outage on your cell or telephone, call 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877).
Cold Weather Safety:
Extremely cold temperatures are expected for the next 10 days. Please take precautions, limit exposure, and check on neighbors who may need assistance. Take precautions to try to avoid freezing of water pipes. If you or someone you know needs shelter, please take advantage of the Martinsburg Imitative Cold Weather Shelter. The Martinsburg Initiative – A model solution to a national problem.
Stay Informed:
We will continue to share updates through text alerts, email, social media, and local media outlets as conditions evolve. To sign up for email and/or text alerts, visit
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WVMARTINSBURG/subscribers/new
This storm will require patience from all of us. Our crews will be working around the clock, and we appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to keep Martinsburg safe.
Stay warm, stay safe, and look out for one another.
Stay tuned for further updates.
