ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Tropical Storm Helene severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville’s water system.

Fixing the system will take time, as flooded and washed-away roads are preventing water crews from accessing parts of the system.

Restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks, the city’s website said..

Customers who have water should fill bathtubs and other available containers in case they lose service.

A Boil Water Advisory also remains in effect for customers who have water.

Remember, potable water is limited, please only use potable water for drinking, not for flushing.

SHELTERS

General public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center – 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, is at capacity as of the time of this writing.

General public shelter at A-B Tech – 6 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville (use Victoria Road entrance)

Medical emergency shelter at A-B Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville

SUPPLIES

Food and water supplies have been ordered to assist our community in need. Those supplies are expected to arrive in the next day or two, according to the city’s website. Until then, please be conservative and help your neighbors if possible.

Distribution sites have been identified and will be advertised once the supplies are in hand.

Without power, many gas stations are not open and fuel is not available. Conserve fuel and do not drive unless it is an emergency.

BUS SERVICE

City bus service remains suspended while buses are involved in relief efforts. While performing this service, the bus destination sign will say “Special Assignment.” When services resume, ART buses will have the regular route name on the destination sign.

ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

APD is at full patrol staffing. Federal and state agents are also assisting with security and other local law enforcement agencies’ needs.

ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

AFD continues rescue efforts in heavily affected areas and will begin canvassing neighborhoods for needs. For those needing medical assistance or for those who cannot call 911, each fire station will have a firefighter available 24/7.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Structural damage should be reported to an individual’s insurance company as soon as possible.

A citywide initial assessment by FEMA and a team of city staff (DSD, fire, Public Works) will begin Sunday, Sept. 29. Community members will see city staff doing assessments to understand the magnitude of the overall storm damage.

Development Services Department will be set up to receive and issue permits for removal and replacement of damaged areas. Permit fees will be waived for removal and repair permits.

For questions about buildings affected by this storm:
City of Asheville Building Safety Division at 828-259-5967
email buildingsafety@ashevillenc.gov.

PUBLIC WORKS/SANITATION

Public Works is working to clear storm debris from roads to provide critical access for emergency vehicles. Public Works will run routes for debris removal in the coming weeks. Information about trash and recycling collection will be continually updated.

City offices and parks will be closed Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, to allow full support to the recovery efforts.

ASHEVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

Asheville City Schools will be closed on Monday, Sept. 30, and Tuesday, Oct. 1, because of the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene on the community.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY

Buncombe County Government regular operations will be closed Monday and Tuesday to focus on emergency response.

TRASH SERVICE

The landfill will be open Monday but please use caution if you are traveling to the landfill and take alternate routes. County officials are working with Waste Pro to determine what residential collection will look like, what that will look like has not been determined.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS

Buncombe County Schools for the entire week, Monday, Sept. 30, through Friday, Oct. 4. These days will be annual leave days for staff.

MISSING PERSONS

The Buncombe County Register of Deeds has developed a web-based form to assist people in finding and connecting with residents of Buncombe County. Go to www.buncombeready.org to find that information. You may also call 828-820-2761. Please leave a voicemail and someone with Register of Deeds will contact you as soon as they can.