Update:
At 2 p.m. today, Buncombe County and the City of Asheville will conduct a joint press and community briefing on winter storm response, and safety messages. The briefing will be streamed live on the City’s Facebook page.
Did someone say
Winter Storm Warning?
The City of Asheville is ready!
With the National Weather Service predicting as much as 13 inches of snow Saturday through Monday, with snow expected to begin Saturday morning.
The City of Asheville is preparing a coordinated response with our community partners, including NCDOT, Duke Energy and Buncombe County Emergency Management.
The City has 4,000 tons of salt in supply.
Friday morning, Public Works began pre-treating priority 1 roads and many priority 2 streets. And those efforts continue today.
In addition, Public Works is pre-treating all sidewalks that the City of Asheville is responsible for and will remove snow from them as the storm moves in. This includes special efforts around the U.S. Cellular Center, which is hosting the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam Friday-Saturday.
Streets crews anticipate working around the clock as the storm moves in.
All of our emergency responders, Public Works, Public Safety and communications employees understand that they may be called upon to work during the weekend.
Here is a link to the City’s snow removal priority map. Primary roads have to be the priority for snow removal to ensure they are passable for our emergency responders.
Please clear the streets so snow plows can get through
The City asks everyone to limit on-street parking during any snow event! This is extremely helpful to our ability to clear streets more efficiently.
Sign up for emergency alerts
The best way receive up-to-date local information is to sign up for AVL Alert, the City’s emergency notification system. Signing up is quick and easy and you can receive alerts for up to five locations. That may include your residence, an elderly relative’s residence, your child’s school, etc. Here is a link to a how-to video on AVL Alert registration.
We also urge residents to assemble an emergency kit, to include flashlight and batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food and other supplies. Find a federal government-recommended list at this link.
Pulling together as a community
We want to encourage everyone in our community to prepare personally and come together to look after their neighbors as well.
If you have regular medical appointments critical to your health, then please make sure you have a snow plan in case travel becomes hazardous. In the event of a medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For information on available resources call 2-1-1.
Related: Homeless Coalition issues Code Purple as frigid temps arrive
Where to find official information
The City of Asheville will post links to official emergency information on the City of Asheville website and on the Asheville Fire Department’s Twitter feed.
Information will also be posted on the City of Asheville Facebook page and Twitter feed.
And we encourage ART bus riders to “check before you go.” Find information about the many ways to access ART service alerts at this link.
What about power?
Call Duke Energy to report downed power lines:
- Duke Energy Carolinas – 800-769-3766
- Duke Energy Progress – 800-419-6356
Duke Energy warns people to stay away from downed power lines.
Are you planning on using a generator to keep warm if your power goes out? Generators should be run OUTSIDE in a well-ventilated area — not a garage, carport, or shed. The Asheville Fire Department recommends using a CO monitor too!
