ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Local and state officials urged residents in Buncombe County and the city of Asheville to prepare for a potentially dangerous winter storm expected to bring ice, power outages and hazardous travel beginning Saturday.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the region from 7 a.m. Saturday through 1 p.m. Monday. Forecast models are increasingly pointing toward significant ice accumulation, which officials say could cause widespread power outages and make roads impassable.
County Manager Avril Pinder said hazardous driving conditions, prolonged power outages and dangerously cold temperatures extending into next week are the county’s primary concerns.
“We are taking this storm seriously,” Pinder said. “The time to prepare is now.”
Pinder noted that many residents are still recovering from Tropical Storm Helene and may be living in temporary or vulnerable housing. Gov. Josh Stein declared a state of emergency Wednesday, and North Carolina Department of Transportation crews are preparing to work around the clock.
Buncombe County is coordinating with the American Red Cross to prepare up to three emergency shelters, which would also serve as warming centers if activated. Officials said shelter locations would be announced Friday.
Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole warned that as little as a quarter-inch of ice could bring down trees and power lines. Some areas could see up to an inch of ice, which he described as “catastrophic” for infrastructure.
Residents are urged to prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, avoid travel during the storm and only call 911 in emergencies. Officials also encouraged residents to assemble disaster kits with water, food, medications, flashlights, batteries and pet supplies.
City of Asheville Manager DK Wesley said the city has activated its emergency operations plan. Public works, fire, police and water resources crews will remain on duty throughout the weekend, with snow operations moving to 24/7 staffing beginning Friday.
To assist snow removal, on-street parking in Asheville is prohibited after 5 p.m. Friday. City-owned parking garages will be open free of charge during the storm.
Water Resources officials said all treatment plants, pump stations and storage tanks are prepared, with backup generators fueled and ready. Customers experiencing water issues should call 828-251-1122.
Duke Energy spokesman Jeff Brooks said hundreds of line and tree workers are staged across Western North Carolina, with additional out-of-state crews arriving Friday. Ice accumulation poses a greater threat than snow, Brooks said, noting that even a quarter-inch of ice can cause outages.
Customers are encouraged to report outages by texting “OUT” to 57801, using the Duke Energy app or calling 1-800-POWER-ON.
North Carolina Highway Patrol officials urged drivers to stay off the roads, especially bridges and overpasses, which freeze first. Road conditions can be found at DriveNC.gov.
Fire officials also warned residents to use heaters and generators safely, emphasizing the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning during cold-weather outages.
Officials announced another community briefing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday as forecasts are updated and final preparations are made.
Residents experiencing emotional stress related to the storm can call the Hope for NC helpline at 1-855-587-3463, available 24 hours a day.