GASTON COUNTY, N.C. – Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services (GCOEMFS) and the City of Cherryville are asking residents to stay indoors after strong storms damaged trees and power lines around 7 p.m. Tuesday night, leaving the city without power.
City officials want residents to stay off the streets so the workers can more efficiently serve the public and get to the damaged areas. GCOEMFS used the Everbridge system to send out the same message of staying indoors to Gaston County residents.
There is no information yet on when power will be restored. The Cherryville Fire Station will operate as a shelter for those who need it. If you or someone you know has injuries, please call 911. There is a lot of debris scattered throughout the city. To report damage or downed trees and powerlines, or if you need shelter, please call the Cherryville Fire Department at 704-435-1730.
Cherryville schools, including Cherryville Elementary School, W. Blaine Beam Intermediate School, John Chavis Middle School, and Cherryville High School will be closed on Wednesday.
First responders have arrived to assist the City of Cherryville. Along with Emergency Management officials, Gaston County Emergency Medical Services (GEMS), Gaston County Police and the Sheriff’s Office, are also on site. Police officers from Lincolnton and Bessemer City, as well as Bessemer City Fire Department, Tryonata VFD, Waco VFD, and Hughes Pond VFD are also assisting the Cherryville Fire Department at this time.
City and County officials will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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