Cumberland County will open overnight shelters and daytime warming centers this week as freezing weather grips the region.
The county, in partnership with the City of Fayetteville and community organizations, announced in a press release that White Flag activation will be in effect Thursday and Friday.
Warming centers were open Monday to Wednesday, with another activation planned for Friday.
This week’s shelter activation comes as meteorologists warn North Carolina is feeling the first of three polar vortex disruptions forecast for December 2025.
Flurries are expected in central North Carolina Friday, but Fayetteville’s greater concern will be sub‑freezing temperatures, dangerous wind chills, and the chance of ice. Even if snow remains north in the Triangle, the same Arctic system is driving Cumberland County’s shelter and warming center activations.
What Is White Flag Activation?
A White Flag event is declared when temperatures drop below freezing, creating dangerous conditions for anyone without reliable shelter, according to the county website. On these nights, the county opens overnight shelters with meals and transportation.
Warming centers are different: They open during business hours in public buildings like libraries, recreation centers, and lobbies, giving residents a safe place to warm up during the day.
Overnight shelter
🛏️ White Flag Shelter
Location: Cornerstone Christian Empowerment Center
Address: 111 N. Bragg Blvd., Spring Lake
Hours: 6 p.m.–8 a.m. (Intake 5:30–9 p.m.)
Shuttle: To/from Fayetteville Cares Day Resource Center (128 S. King St.)
Meals: Dinner & breakfast provided
Contact: 910-494-2715 | treyct5@gmail.com
Daytime warming centers
🏛️ Cumberland County DSS
Address: 1225 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
🏛️ Public Health – First Floor Lobby
Address: 1235 Ramsey St., Fayetteville
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
📚 Public Libraries
Branches: All eight
Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Wed, Fri, Sat 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Locations: cumberlandcountync.gov/library
🏀 Parks & Recreation Centers
Address: Various locations
Hours: Posted online
🍽️ Salvation Army of the Sandhills
Address: 220 E. Russell St., Fayetteville
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Meals: Lunch 12 p.m.; Dinner 5 p.m.
Community Reminder
Residents are urged to check on neighbors, older adults, and anyone without reliable heat. Pets should also be brought indoors during freezing temperatures.
For more information, visit cumberlandcountync.gov/emergencyservices/cooling-warming-centers or follow Cumberland County on social media at @CCNCGOV.
Editor’s Note: This headline has been updated to clarify the type of warming centers that have been opened this week in Cumberland County.
Government reporter Rachel Heimann Mercader can be reached at rheimann@cityviewnc.com.
Did you find this story useful or interesting? It was made possible by donations from readers like you to the News Foundation of Greater Fayetteville, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to an informed democracy in Fayetteville and Cumberland County.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donationso CityView can bring you more news and information like this.
