Dr. Awe's Office

01/22/2026

“Preparations are already underway by state agencies, and this State of Emergency ensures Team South Carolina is ready to respond and support communities as conditions develop." Read More: https://tinyurl.com/y73ukfk9

08/28/2025

If we are still here…come visit!!

🗓️ONE YEAR LATER and More than 50 Western NC mountain towns have reopened to visitors since Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024.

ℹ️They URGENTLY need more tourists to support their local economies, which a majority of the businesses are LOCALLY OWNED and which have suffered significant losses over the past year

🚗 Your spending on local attractions, accommodations, dining, and shopping is crucial to their recovery, so consider visiting them as you plan your 2025 fall and Christmas travel adventures.

07/03/2025

A bone-afide health tip from Mr. Bones!

06/07/2025

BREAKING: Nine months after Hurricane Helene, North Carolina State Parks have announced that Chimney Rock State Park and Chimney Rock attraction will officially reopen to visitors on June 27th!! 👏🏻

NC Parks says
“Advance reservations will be required to access the Chimney Rock attraction; the ticketing reservation system at chimneyrockpark.com will go live approximately one week prior to the reopening. Capacity will be limited due to ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in the area.”

03/30/2025

03/27/2025

03/26/2025

Additional mandatory evacuations have been issued in Greenville County in response to the wildfire at Table Rock.

03/14/2025

Skywatchers across the world will soon witness the first total lunar eclipse in three years. 🌑

On March 13-14, the full moon will slip into Earth’s shadow, transforming into a deep reddish hue, a phenomenon known as a "blood moon." The eclipse will last about six hours, with those in North and South America, parts of Europe, Africa, and the Pacific region able to witness the best views.

Learn how, when, and where you can observe it: https://on.natgeo.com/3XR9LUX

02/18/2025

A severe winter storm is set to impact travel across North Carolina this week, with snow, ice and freezing rain predicted. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has already begun treating roads with brine.

02/13/2025

🚗More than 50 Western NC mountain towns have reopened to visitors since Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024, and they urgently need more tourists to support their local economies, which have suffered significant losses over the past five months.

Your spending on local attractions, accommodations, dining, and shopping is crucial to their recovery, so consider visiting them as you plan your 2025 travel adventures.

01/30/2025

For Immediate Release from McDowell County Emergency Management
Date: January 30, 2025
6:55 a.m.

Crooked Creek Fire Update - McDowell County
McDowell County, NC — As of 06:55 a.m. today, the Crooked Creek Fire in McDowell County has burned an estimated 250 acres and is now 55% contained. Emergency crews made significant progress overnight as winds diminished and relative humidity increased leading to lower fire activity.

The evacuation order for the affected areas will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. today, allowing residents to safely return to their homes. Emergency personnel will continue to remain on-site throughout the day to monitor the situation and ensure further containment of the fire.

There have been no injuries or fatalities reported. However, one home has sustained damage, and multiple outbuildings have been destroyed.

Key Details:
Fire size: 250 acres
Containment: 55%
Evacuation order to be lifted: 08:00 a.m. on 1/30/25
Structures impacted: 1 home damaged, multiple outbuildings destroyed
Injuries/Fatalities: 0
Location of media staging area: Crooked Creek Fire Department

McDowell County emergency officials continue to work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure the safety of residents and further containment of the fire. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and the tireless efforts of emergency responders.

Officials will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Residents are advised to stay informed through local media, the McDowell County Emergency Management Agency's social media channels, and the NIXLE alert system. To receive McDowell County emergency alerts text 28752 to 888777.