City of Hickory prepares for winter storm, Residents urged to stay safe and limit travel

A strong winter storm is expected to impact Hickory this weekend, bringing snow, sleet, and ice. City crews are working around the clock to prepare roadways and maintain essential services, but residents are urged to stay home and avoid non-essential travel for their safety and the safety of emergency responders.

City Winter Weather Operations

When winter weather is forecasted, the Street Division activates its snow policy and prepares its fleet of 13 plow trucks and two brine trucks. Crews will work in 13-hour shifts throughout the storm to respond as conditions evolve.

• Brining: Crews apply brine to major roads, bridges, and overpasses 24 to 48 hours before the storm to prevent snow and ice from sticking and improve plowing effectiveness.
• Salting & Plowing: During storms, salt and sand are applied first to bridges and heavily traveled streets. Plowing begins when accumulation exceeds two inches.
• Priority Routes: The City maintains more than 230 miles of streets, prioritizing major thoroughfares like Lenoir Rhyne Boulevard, N.C. 127, and Tate Boulevard before residential streets.

With bitterly cold temperatures expected next week, hazardous road conditions may persist beyond the storm.

Solid Waste Collection

Schedules may be delayed, but the Solid Waste Division will collect garbage as early as possible, weather permitting. Residents should place rollouts at the curb on their normal day and leave them until collected. Recycling, yard waste, and commercial accounts will also be serviced as conditions allow.

What Residents Should Do

• Stay Off the Roads: Avoid all non-essential travel once inclement weather begins. Clear roads allow emergency responders and City crews to work safely and reduce accidents.
• Prepare Your Home: Stock up on food, water, and medications for at least three days. Check flashlights and battery-powered radios in case of power outages.
• Look Out for Neighbors: Check on elderly residents and those with special needs.
• Know Who to Call: 
  • Emergencies: 911
  • Non-emergency police: 828-328-5551
  • Snow/ice removal or solid waste: 828-323-7500
  • Power outages: Report directly to your provider (Duke Energy: 800-POWERON / 800-777-9898)

Stay Informed

For the latest updates, visit www.hickorync.gov/winter-weather-updates-january-2026, follow City of Hickory, NC – Government on Facebook, and @CityofHickory on X.