Disaster Declaration issued
Posted/updated on: January 28, 2026 at 2:43 am
SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Judge Neal Franklin issued a Disaster Declaration for Smith County on Friday, January 23, 2026, ahead of the winter storm.
Smith County emergency management officials have been working this week to prepare for road closures and power outages as much as they can.
“I have declared a disaster in Smith County, following the Governor’s Declaration,” Judge Franklin said. “Doing this now allows emergency management officials to respond quickly to any issues that arise during the disaster and to ask for aid when needed.”
The National Weather Service on Thursday issued a Winter Storm Warning for Smith County, which goes into effect at 6 p.m. Friday, January 23, and lasts at least until noon, Sunday, January 25.
With the forecast of major ice accumulation on roads and the risk of widespread power outages due to ice on powerlines and trees, officials are urging county residents to stay home and stay safe.
If you have downed trees or powerlines on Smith County roads, please report them to Smith County Dispatch by calling 903-566-6600. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Forecasters are calling for rain in Smith County today, which will turn into freezing precipitation overnight.
The forecast also calls for below freezing temperatures for several consecutive days, which means the ice on roads may not have a chance to melt until Monday, if not Tuesday.
In anticipation of the severe winter weather, Judge Franklin has made the decision to close all non-emergency county offices on Monday, January 26.
Jury duty has also been cancelled for Monday, the District Clerk’s Office announced.
Smith County has added several resources to its website, including tips to prepare for the winter weather, how to register for alerts, county and state road closures, and where you can find local shelters or warming centers once they become available.
You can find these tips by visiting http://www.smith-county.com and clicking on the Winter Storm Update banner at the top of the page.
