Monday, September 30, 2024

10am update
Buncombe County Government Update

  • Buncombe County Sheriff Miller has confirmed 35 people have died in the county.
  • Deputies from surrounding counties are assisting Buncombe County efforts
  • Buncombe County Register of Deeds has established a family assistance center to locate loved ones. 11,000 requests have been submitted for people looking for loved ones. 150 households have been identified as immediate needs for welfare checks for those with medical needs. A bike brigade is going out to check on immediate needs
  • Buncombe County Manager Avril Pender has announced that at Noon today the County will announce locations of Distribution of one day supply of Food and Water at 2om today. The county is working to mobilize a mobile plan for distribution of food/water.
  • Existing shelters in the county are at capacity. County is working on additional options.

Asheville Airport Update, as of this morning:

  • Commercial air service is resuming. Two American Airlines flights landed this morning. Delta and United are also resuming some flights this morning. The airport team are working to get information about Allegiant and Sun Country.
  • PLEASE REMEMBER: flight status can change, especially in these uncertain times. Check your flight’s status with your airline prior to arrival at the airport.
  • IMPORTANT: The airport has been unable to update their website. The flight information on the airport website is incorrect.
  • Regarding questions about vehicles in airport parking lots, none of the lots flooded, and cars are fine. Those who could not retrieve their cars due to the storm – stay safe and pick up your car when you are able. The airport has waived the additional fees that would have accumulated for the days during the storm and during this week of recovery.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

4pm update

Buncombe County Sheriff Miller has confirmed at least 30 friends, family and neighbors” have died as a result of Helene. No names are being released until family can be notified. Notification is complicated due to the lack of cell phone service. As soon as officials have notified family members, they will release names to the public.

Water Distribution

Here are locations offering potable water today:

  • Pisgah Brewing in Black Mountain will be offering free potable water Sunday, Sept. 29, until 5 p.m. at their US-70 location. Residents in need of clean water are encouraged to bring empty, sanitary containers for filling. The facility also has cell service available for those who need it. The brewery is located at 2948 US-70, Black Mountain, NC 28711.
  • The Fresh Market will provide free bottled water at its Asheville locations, starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The stores are located at 944 Merrimon Ave. and 1378 Hendersonville Road in Asheville.

If you know of other businesses helping local residents devastated by Hurricane Helene, send us an email at news@828NewsNow.com

Asheville Airport Update, as of this morning:

  • Most flights are currently cancelled. A slow recovery of phone and internet service is happening at the airport. This means that some airlines could potentially operate later today; however, it is imperative to confirm your flight’s status with your airline before coming to the airport. Expect significant cancellations.
  • Remember that roads to the airport may be impassable. This impacts travelers as well as airport staff.
  • The AVL team on-site are working around the clock to assist with relief flights, including the National Guard, as they arrive. The AVL team helping to coordinate these efforts.
  • There are passengers and an overflow of community members who have been sheltering at the airport since Thursday evening.
  • Communications have been very limited. The airport website is not updating accurately, so please reach out to your airline for accurate flight status information.

10am update
Buncombe County, Black Mountain, Weaverville and Swannanoa officials

  • Buncombe County Sheriff Miller has confirmed “10 friends, family and neighbors” have died as a result of Helene.
  • No names are being released until family can be notified. Notification is complicated due to the lack of cell phone service.
  • As soon as officials have notified family members, they will release names to the public.
  • Officials have confirmed around 1,000 people remain unaccounted for in Buncombe County.

Water and Food Supply

  • County officials have confirmed the County’s supply of water is stored on the other side of the River in Swannanoa and not accessible at this time.
  • Water shipment is on the way and pushing hard to make it to the area as drivers try to make it past Old Fort. Issues with part of I-40 being unpassable in areas are delaying delivery of that shipment.
  • No distribution centers or plan was outlined in the update. Officials will release that information as soon as possible.

County coordination with FEMA

  • County officials reminded the community that they have to coordinate with the state who coordinates with the federal government. State is working diligently to get much needed supplies and aid into the area.

Swannanoa Community Update from Sheriff Penland

  • The main part of Swannanoa is completely devastated.
  • Officials continue efforts to send crews “up on 70 for search and rescue efforts.”
  • Part of Old 70 isn’t there anymore.
  • According to officials there are “complete neighborhoods no longer there.”
  • Roads will have to be repaired in order to access all of the area.
  • Private helicopter operators have voluntarily mobilized distribution of food/supplies by air. They have dropped supplies at the Harley Davidson store and 1st Baptist Church
  • Encouraging neighbors to continue to help neighbors

Weaverville Community Update

  • No power anywhere in the Town of Weaverville
  • 15 water rescues
  • Prescription Pad Pharmacy’s Drive Thru is open until 5pm for those who have emergency need of medication.