Smyth County ratifies local emergency declaration for Winter Storm Fern

Smyth County’s Board of Supervisors unanimously approved and ratified a Declaration of Local Emergency for Winter Storm Fern at its Feb. 12 meeting, setting the declaration to expire on March 1.

County Administrator Shawn Utt told the board the declaration covers the county’s response to heavy snow and ice associated with Winter Storm Fern and asked the board to approve and ratify the resolution. Chilhowie District Supervisor Mike Sturgill moved to accept the February 2026 Declaration of Local Emergency; Rye Valley Supervisor Jason Parris seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to approve it.

The declaration will allow the county to proceed with response actions and, where applicable, pursue reimbursements under applicable state or federal programs. The board did not specify additional reporting requirements or an operational timeline in the public discussion.