A Stormwater Services crew removes silt, dirt and debris
from storm drains atop Town Mountain July 31.
In advance of heavy rains this week, the City of Asheville is prepared!
The Water Resources Department is following the Flood Operation Plan at the North Fork Reservoir. One gate is slightly opened (6 inches) to accommodate present and anticipated precipitation to maintain plan targets. The North Fork reservoir represents just under 20% of the Swannanoa River Basin, therefore flooding can occur from runoff from other areas of the watershed.
The City of Asheville Emergency Management Command will be closely monitoring the front.
Also the City’s Stormwater Services Division is proactively monitoring — and clearing — stormwater drains prior to this multi-day rain event. Crews are clearing drains of overgrowth, soil and sediment accumulation and debris to help mitigate any water backups on our streets.
This work is done in the interest of public safety.
The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Watch for a wide swath of Western North Carolina, including Asheville, this afternoon through Thursday. Some 4 to 5 inches of rain could fall in Asheville and/or the nearby area during the next few days.
Stay current with the forecast by visiting the National Weather Service website.
If you are not signed up for the City of Asheville’s emergency notification, AVL Alert, please do so. Emergency information can be sent directly to your phone and/or email address. To sign up, visit this link.
If you encounter high water on any street, remember, “turn around, don’t drown!”
Follow the City of Asheville Facebook page and Twitter feed for official information, if there are road closures.