Winter Storm Advisory

Last updated: Monday, February 2, 2026 — 5:00 PM


Services Resume Tuesday, February 3

City of Gastonia offices will open on Tuesday, February 3, at 10:00 a.m.

Due to continued hazardous road conditions and the potential for refreezing, residents are urged to use extreme caution while traveling. As temperatures drop well below freezing, roads are expected to refreeze, creating the potential for black ice, especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas.

Updates will be shared through the City's website and social media channels.


Tuesday, February 3 — Service Updates

City Offices & Facilities

  • City offices: Open at 10:00 a.m.
  • Schiele Museum: Open at 12:00 p.m.
  • Community Centers: Open 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Parks Remaining Closed

  • Martha Rivers Park
  • Rankin Lake Park
  • Walker E. Reid, III Park

Parks and Recreation

  • Administration and Athletics offices: Open at 10:00 a.m.
  • No programmed events on Tuesday
  • Parks and Recreation will follow Gaston County Schools' Gastonia campuses for game schedules

Transportation Services

  • GOGastonia: Service begins at 12:00 p.m. — Riders should plan for possible delays, as conditions along neighborhood streets may continue to impact service
  • Bradley Transit Station: Remains closed
  • ADA/Paratransit: Not operating

Solid Waste Services

  • Garbage collection resumes Tuesday — Crews will collect both Monday and Tuesday routes
  • Normal collection schedules resume Wednesday

City Council Meeting

  • Time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: City Hall (181 S. South St., Gastonia)

Travel & Road Safety

  • Use extreme caution — Refreezing roads and black ice remain a serious concern as temperatures drop below freezing
  • Watch for icy conditions on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and untreated roads
  • Even after plowing, melting snow may refreeze and create slick surfaces
  • Stranded vehicles may be marked with yellow caution tape by first responders. This indicates the vehicle has been checked and does not signal an emergency

Warming Center Updates

The Warming Center at Unity Baptist Church (482 N. Myrtle School Road) will return to its regular schedule, opening when temperatures are 32°F and below per the National Weather Service.

Community members interested in volunteering or donating may support the center through HealthNet Gaston.


Emergency Notifications

Sign up for Everbridge / Alert Gaston to receive real-time weather warnings and emergency messages by phone, text, or email: https://member.everbridge.net/454102597238809/login


Energy Use Advisory

To help reduce strain on the power system and lower the risk of outages during extremely cold temperatures, residents and businesses are asked to reduce energy usage during morning peak hours.

Ways to help:

  • Turn thermostats down a couple of degrees, if safe to do so
  • Delay running washers, dryers, and dishwashers until later in the day
  • Turn off unused lights and electronics
  • Avoid running multiple high-energy appliances at the same time
  • Delay electric vehicle charging until midday, if possible

Power Outage Reporting

To report a power outage:

  • Use the COG/TRU Outages App (preferred)
  • Or call 704-866-6823 (Automated Reporting)

The COG-TRU app allows you to:

  • Report electric, water, or sewer outages
  • Track restoration status

Safety Tips – If the Power Goes Out

Prepare an emergency kit that includes:

  • Water and non-perishable food
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • AM/FM weather radio
  • Blankets and warm clothing
  • First aid kit

Generator & Heating Safety

  • Do not run generators, grills, or propane heaters indoors or in enclosed spaces
  • Use space heaters safely and keep them away from flammable materials

Non-Emergency Contacts

  • Gaston County Emergency Management: 704-866-3004
  • Electric / Utilities Customer Service: 704-866-6823

Call 911 for emergencies only.