January 30, 2026 - The Shelby County Commissioners met Friday, January 30, 2026, for an emergency meeting to ratify the Declaration of Disaster put in place by Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison on January 23, 2026, in reference to winter storm Fern.
The ratification of disaster reads as follows:
Ratification of Declaration of Disaster
Whereas, the County of Shelby, hereby ratifies the following Declaration of Disaster issued January 23, 2026 for the winter storm designated as 'Fern'.
Whereas, the County of Shelby, on the 23rd of January, 2026, is facing imminent threat of widespread or sever damage, injury, or loss of life or property resulting from severe winter weather. Conditions include below freezing temperatures, ice accumulation on trees, power lines and roadways and possible interruption on utilities.
Whereas, I, Allison Harbison, County Judge of Shelby County, Texas, has determined, based upon trajectory reports issued by the National Weather Service and the Texas State Operations Center, that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering and protect the people of Shelby County, Texas. And to also, protect and/or rehabilitate property; and
Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed By The County Judge Of Shelby County, Texas:
I. That a local state of disaster is hereby declared for Shelby County, Texas, pursuant to Section 418.108(a) of the Texas Government Code.
II. Pursuant to Section 418.108(b) of the Texas Government Code, the state of disaster shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this declaration unless continued or renewed by the Commissioners' Court of Shelby County, Texas.
III. Pursuant to Section 418.108(c) of the Texas Government Code, this declaration of a local disaster shall be given prompt and general publicity and shall be filed promptly with the County Clerk.
IV. Pursuant to Section 418.108(d) of the Texas Government Code, this declaration of a local state of disaster activates the Shelby County, Texas Emergency Management Plan.
This proclamation shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance.
Ordered this 23rd day of January, 2026 and Ratified the 30th day of January, 2026.
Allison Harbison, County Judge Shelby County, Texas
