01/23/2026
Smith County Judge Neal Franklin issued a disaster declaration 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 US National Weather Service Shreveport Louisiana has upgraded Smith County to an Ice Storm Warning and an Extreme Cold Warning.
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 at www.smith-county.com/212/Emergency-Management or by visiting www.smith-county.com and clicking on the Emergency Management page.
Resources listed on the county website include:
• The Tyler-Smith County Cold/Severe Weather Response Plan. It includes safety tips, how to prepare for winter weather and local resources such as shelters and warming centers.
• Texas Ready is a great resource on how to stay informed and plan for winter weather. Find it here: https://texasready.gov/
• Sign up for Smith County’s mass notification system: www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=smithcounty
• Sign up for The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR). It is a free registry for people with disabilities and/or people who need special assistance during an emergency, such as evacuating your home or during a prolonged power outage.
• For conditions and closures of state-maintained roadways, visit: https://drivetexas.org/
• For Smith County road and office closures, visit: Smith County Road and Office Closures
• For warming center and shelter information, visit: Local Shelter & Seasonal Relief Centers
Throughout the winter storm, Smith County will keep you updated on its social media platforms, website and through the media.
Smith County Fire Marshal's Office
Smith County Sheriff's Office
Smith County Pct. 1 Constable’s Office
Constable Wayne Allen - Smith County Precinct 2
Constable Jim Blackmon Smith County Precinct 3
Constable Josh Joplin Smith County Precinct 4
Smith County Precinct 5 Constable's Office
Smith County Emergency Services District 2
Smith County Emergency Services District 2
City of Tyler, Texas Government
City of Tyler Fire Department
Lindale Fire Department
City of Lindale
City of Arp
City of Bullard, TX - Government
Bullard Fire Department
City of Whitehouse Texas
City of Whitehouse Fire Department
The City Of Winona Texas
