PUBLIC NOTICE
Here are the latest updates and operational reminders from Brunswick County related to impacts from Winter Storm Gianna as of Feb. 2, 2026. View the latest video message from Brunswick County Emergency Management on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/NsyGoBb3bn8
This is the last update for Winter Storm Gianna unless future weather conditions call for additional updates.
Brunswick County wants to thank all residents and visitors in the area for being prepared and for following instructions during the storm. Your actions helped protect the lives of your fellow community members and emergency personnel responding to the storm.
Latest Updates & Operational Reminders
- A very cold air mass will combine with snowpack and gusty winds to produce dangerous cold conditions through at least early Tuesday morning.
- Limit your time outdoors. If you must go outside, make sure to wear warm layers. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and how to respond.
- Bring pets inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.
- Hazardous travel and impacts to infrastructure will redevelop the evening into overnight of Monday, Feb. 2 with low temperatures in the teens and icy conditions forecasted.
- Stay off the roads overnight! Black ice will be problematic over the next few nights. Appearing as wet spots on a road, black ice is the result of melting ice and snow that refreezes into thin layers. NCDOT works to treat areas prone to black ice, but various factors can make it unpredictable. Staying at home protects both you and keeps roads clear for first responders and NCDOT crews trying to clear them.
- While there have been minimal power outages due to the storm, periods of extremely cold weather cause higher demands on electric systems. Help ease the strain on our electric grids by taking the following voluntary steps:
- Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting.
- Avoid using major appliances such as washing machines, clothes dryers, and dishwashers between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Turn off any unnecessary devices, unused plug-ins, and lights.
- Electric vehicle owners: Charge midday when demand is lower.
- Brunswick County Government offices, health clinic, social services, and other facilities will reopen at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3. Library branches and parks will reopen at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Parks will remain closed until further notice. Click here to learn more.
- Essential public safety and response staff continue to respond to the event and address community needs while county offices are closed to the public. The Brunswick County Emergency Operations Center is currently at Level 3 – Enhanced Monitoring. The state of emergency remains in effect.
- GFL Environmental will assess road conditions and other factors Tuesday and throughout the week to determine whether their crews can safely collect curbside trash and recycling carts as normally scheduled. Monday customers will receive a make-up collection on Saturday, Feb. 7 (subject to change based on conditions). If you have questions about your curbside trash and recycling cart collections, contact GFL Environmental at 910.253.4177 or check their website for updates: gflenv.com/brunswick.
- Remain alert for weather updates from NWS-Wilmington at weather.gov/ilm and further details in their weather briefing at weather.gov/ilm/briefing.
- Be alert for misinformation on social media. Use credible sources of information including media partners, emergency managers, and the National Weather Service to get accurate information.
For safety tips, ways to prepare, and how to stay informed during winter weather, visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/winter.
Warming Shelters and Assistance
Brunswick County has partnerships with the following partner agencies to help provide warming shelters during periods of significantly cold temperatures. Individuals who may need warming shelter assistance may contact the following community partners for information:
Community members with questions or assistance needs are encouraged to visit BrunswickCountyNC.gov/assistance.
Find the latest updates and information at BrunswickCountyNC.gov/winter.
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