The Appalachia Daily Update - February 2, 2026

Winter Storm Gianna: Travel and SafetyThe region remains under an Extreme Cold Warning following Winter Storm Gianna. While precipitation has ended, local authorities warn of significant “black ice” on secondary roads and main arteries like Highway 515 and Highway 64. The Georgia State of Emergency has been extended by Governor Kemp and is active through Feb 6, 2026.Local Government Notice: Murphy, NCThe Murphy Town Council meeting originally set for tonight, Feb 2, is officially postponed due to hazardous travel conditions. The meeting is rescheduled for Monday, Feb 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM at Murphy Town Hall on Wofford Street.New Business Monday* Guthrie’s Chicken (Blairsville, GA): The long-awaited chicken finger specialist is now open on Highway 515, providing a new dining option for the Union County community.* Oak & Oar Interiors (Copperhill, TN): Now open on Ocoee Street, this new boutique specializes in regional home decor, furniture, and interior design services that capture the mountain aesthetic.Warming Stations and AssistanceGEMA and Georgia State Parks have opened warming stations for residents without reliable heat. ParkPass fees are waived for those seeking warmth at State Park facilities during this extreme cold event.Sources:2026-02-01 | https://www.cherokeescout.com2026-01-30 | https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-01-30/gov-kemp-declares-new-state-emergency-ahead-winter-storm2026-02-01 | https://gema.georgia.gov/winter-storm-jan-20262026-02-01 | https://www.townofmurphync.com/meetings2026-02-01 | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.06842&lon=-84.03852Take care of your neighbors, and they will take care of you. For more local updates, visit https://go.riverrun.digital. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit adu.riverrun.digital