Find recovery resources here.
Updates by local radio
Public officials are holding news briefings each day at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The briefings are streamed live on the Buncombe County Facebook Page and have also been broadcast on Blue Ridge Public Radio 88.1 FM. You can also listen them on the iHeart radio stations including 99.9, 104.3, 105.1 and 570 AM.
9/29 at 8:32 p.m.
Information about the dam at Bee Tree
The City of Asheville would like to share information with the public about the dam at Bee Tree. The dam at Bee Tree is functioning as it was engineered. Water is coming through the spillway as is the appropriate function. Water resources completed multiple fly over visual inspections today for situational awareness. Water Resources staff continue to work around the clock to respond to the emergency.
9/29 at 6:32 p.m.
Cellular Service
In light of minimal ability for cellular service, the City of Asheville is partnering with Verizon to deliver a temporary cellular satellite trailer to the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin Street. This tower will offer an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked. The tower is operational as of late Sunday afternoon, September 29.
Additionally, T-mobile is bringing SatCOLT (satellite cell on light trucks) to Asheville. These SatCOLTs provide cellular voice and data, along with Wi-Fi (allowing people to use Wi-Fi calling no matter their carrier). More information here: https://www.t-mobile.com/news/network/hurricane-helene
City offices closed
City of Asheville offices will be closed on Monday, September 30.
Trash and Recycling Service
There will be no trash and recycling service in the City of Asheville on Monday, September 30.
Traffic Safety
Public safety officials are discouraging travel. In the event that you must be on the road, please treat inactive traffic lights as four-way stops.
9/29 at 3:32 p.m
Cellular satellite trailer will provide limited service downtown
In light of minimal ability for cellular service, the City of Asheville is partnering with Verizon to deliver a temporary cellular satellite trailer to the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin Place. This tower will offer an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked. The tower will be operational late Sunday afternoon, September 29.
9/29 at 11:15 a.m.
Please conserve fuel and stay off roads. This will allow emergency response vehicles the quickest access to do their jobs.
Water and food have been ordered and will be coming into the area. Distribution sites will be identified when supplies are on site.
Tropical Storm Helene severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville’s water system. Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away which are preventing water personnel from accessing parts of the system. Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks.
A curfew is still in effect from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. within the Asheville City Limits.
9/28 at 9:14 a.m.
Water Service update, Transit Service suspended
The water consumers of City of Asheville Water Resources Department, in Buncombe County are experiencing periods of low pressure and outages in the distribution system due to weather conditions generated by Tropical Storm Helene. Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increases the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system. There is the potential for temporary loss of water service.
Therefore, when water service is restored consumers who have electric power are advised to boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation). Those without power are advised to use bottled water for the purposes mentioned above.
Vigorous boiling for one (1) minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water. This advisory remains in effect until further written notification is issued.
Water customers who currently have water are encouraged to fill bathtubs in preparedness for loss of water.
ART System Alert Update: 9/28/24
UPDATE: In order to best support the current state of emergency ART services are suspended until further notice. The service continues to face local power outages, road conditions, and staffing shortages.
Instead of regular route services, ART buses have been redirected to support relief efforts. ART was able to successfully transport over 578 individuals in need to shelters.
ART will communicate a roll-out plan to resume service when more information is available. We appreciate your patience and understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.
Stay up to date on any service changes that may affect your travel plans by checking the Service Alerts page. To get notices via text or email about changes, sign up for iRide email alerts, or text “NextART” to 41411.
9/27 at 9:11 p.m.
Update on local restoration efforts
Emergency crews are out navigating hazardous conditions as they assess damage in impacted communities. Due to the severity of destruction experienced and ongoing flooding challenges we expect an extended restoration effort.
Water Utility
Weather conditions have resulted in at least one significant water line break. As a result, customers in parts of the system are experiencing reduced or no water pressure. Because large portions of the city are still underwater and many roads remain closed, Water Resources’ ability to assess the system is extremely limited. As a result you may experience low pressure or no water. If you have water, but do not have the ability to boil it because of lack of electricity, please rely on bottled water for consumption.
While crews have been able to travel in areas that are passable, the problem area, or areas, still have not been identified.
Like other utilities affected by Helene, fully restoring service to the water system will take some time and we greatly appreciate your patience while we dedicate every available resource to the effort.
Community Partners
The City of Asheville also encourages community members to monitor other government or service provider websites and social media for their latest information as well.
Buncombe County has established a NON-Emergency line for community reports of things such as downed trees and debris: 828-250-6650.
Please call 9-1-1 for life threatening situations including down power lines.
NCDOT Twitter: NCDOT_Asheville for local information or @NCDOT for regional/ statewide information
Code Purple will be active Thursday and Friday.
Know your information sources
Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:
City of Asheville – You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.
9/27 at 5:56 p.m.
Parks Update
All parks and community centers will remain closed through Sunday, September 29.
9/27 at 5:50 p.m.
Curfew in effect
A curfew will be in effect within the city limits of Asheville from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. beginning tonight, Friday, September 27. The curfew is to ensure the public’s safety and will be in effect until further notice. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to keep our community safe.
9/27 at 2:24 p.m.
City of Asheville Emergency Responders continue critical emergency response
City of Asheville emergency responders and staff from each department continue life saving efforts in response to Tropical Storm Helene.
Crews continue to work throughout the community around the clock, responding to calls for assistance including swift water rescues, evacuations, transportation to shelters, and downed trees on powerlines, houses and roads. Asheville Fire Department has upscaled their operations with up to 200 firefighters filling emergency response roles.
The FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina National Guard are in town to assist our rescue efforts. A FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team is in Asheville with 82 personnel and 19 vehicles including buses, tractor trailers, box trucks, tow vehicles and rescue boats. The National Guard team is assisting efforts by providing a team of 8 personnel and high profile vehicles that can navigate through flooded waters.
Even though it may appear that the storm has passed, we want the community to understand that the devastating after effects of Helene including rising rivers, downed powerlines and power outages, flooded roads, and damaged homes will affect our community for days to come. The City of Asheville is dedicated to using all resources possible to continue to serve our community, businesses and visitors.
For non-emergency situations, please call 828-250-6650. For life threatening situations, always call 911.
9/27 at 12:33 p.m.
Boil Water Advisory
The water consumers of City of Asheville Water Resources Department, in Buncombe County are experiencing periods of low pressure and outages in the distribution system due to weather conditions generated by Tropical Storm Helene. Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increases the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system. There is the potential for temporary loss of water service.
All customers are currently advised to boil water (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation). Those customers without power are advised to use bottled water for the purposes mentioned above.
Vigorous boiling for one (1) minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water.
Water customers are strongly urged to conserve water whenever possible. This advisory remains in effect until further written notification is issued.
9/27 at 11:14 a.m.
ART Service Update
Due to changing weather conditions and flooding, regular ART service will not resume today, 9/27. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Tomorrow, 9/28: Dependent on road conditions, service is scheduled to resume at 10:00 AM. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if there are any changes.
Stay up to date on any service changes that may affect your travel plans by checking the Service Alerts page. To get notices via text or email about changes, sign up for iRide email alerts, or text “NextART” to 41411.
9/27 at 10 a.m.
ART Service to resume
ART Services are scheduled to resume at 2:00 PM today, 9/27. Service levels will be dependent on weather and road conditions. We will provide updates if the circumstances change.
9/27 at 7:12 a.m.
City Offices closed on September 27
All City of Asheville offices will be closed on Friday, September 27. Online services including water bill pay and permit applications remain available. Emergency services and storm response remain operational.
Reminder – ART Transit services will begin at 2 p.m. today.
9/27 at 6:22 a.m.
Mandatory evacuation of the Swannanoa River Valley area is in place
Due to the catastrophic rain in the area, the North Fork Reservoir auxiliary spillway has been activated. The dam is performing as designed, and the volume of water flowing downstream will increase as the storm intensifies. Due to the high risk, a MANDATORY EVACUATION of the Swannanoa River Valley area is in place. All residents within the designated area downstream of the reservoir are required to move to higher ground. If you need assistance to evacuate, please call 911.
Shelter is available at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville (87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801) Explore Asheville has worked with local hotels to make rooms available for residents who are seeking shelter from the storm. Those rates are available here.
Know your information sources
Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:
City of Asheville – You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.
Flash Flood Warning
Emergency alert
The National Weather Service has turned a FLASH FLOOD WARNING into effect for the Asheville area until 8:15 a.m. This is a dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under evacuation order.
Know your information sources
Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:
City of Asheville – You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.
9/26 at 9:45 p.m.
See below update from Buncombe County. Anyone within the French Broad and Swannanoa River Valleys and tributaries should self evacuate before anticipated crests.
From Buncombe County:
As the local state of emergency continues, resources are available to help residents looking to evacuate. It’s anticipated that 15,000 individual residences may be impacted.
To see if your residence falls in the floodplain, click here. Please note that this tool is not a confirmation that a property will not flood, it simply shows that it is not historically prone to flooding.
Shelters are available and open now at First Baptist Church in Swannanoa and Trinity Baptist in West Asheville.Buncombe County is working with Henderson County and other partners to establish larger shelters and also shelters that can help community members with medical devices like home ventilators and other specialized equipment.
Explore Asheville has worked with local hotels to make rooms available for residents who are seeking shelter from the storm. Those rates are available here.
Residents, businesses, visitors, and employees in Fletcher and Biltmore Village near the rivers should self-evacuate before anticipated crests overnight Friday and into Saturday morning.
Code Purple sheltering is available through ABCCM for unhoused residents, and transportation on ART is free to Code Purple shelters.
Please refer to these useful numbers for roads and utilities. For non-emergency support, call 828-250-6650.
Know your information sources
Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:
City of Asheville – You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.
9/26 at 8:30 p.m.
ART SERVICE UPDATE
For tomorrow, 9/27 – Due to potentially dangerous and unknown weather conditions, ART services will begin at 2:00 PM. This delay is also to ensure that all routes are clear and there are sufficient drivers available for operations. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates if circumstances change.
Know your information sources
Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:
City of Asheville – You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.
9/26 at 2:30 p.m.
Asheville Rapid Transit
ART Services continues to operate. Detours remain in place for some routes due to road closures.
Service on the WE1 route has returned to regular service at this time.
At noon today route S6 began a detour near MAHEC due to campus and access gates are closures.
Inbound passengers are advised to use stop 750, Hendersonville Rd at Irwin St, for northbound service.
Outbound passengers are advised to usestop 694, Hendersonville Rd at Irwin St, for southbound service.
Free Transit is available to the open Code Purple shelter serving the homeless during the storm: ABBCCM’s Vet’s Restoration Quarters, and ABBCCM’s Transformation Village.
Stay up to date on any service changes that may affect your travel plans by checking theService Alerts page. To get notices via text or email about changes, sign up foriRide email alerts, or text “NextART” to 41411.
It is important to know, if it is determined the roads are becoming unsafe for travel, we anticipate issuing an alert four hours before discontinuing service unless deteriorting conditions dictate otherwise
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Water Department Tips
With the possibility of an extended boil water advisory or water outage due to severe weather from a tropical storm, City of Asheville Water Resources Department customers should include in their preparations these steps:
- Keep several gallon jugs of potable water for drinking, cooking, preparing bottles, brushing teeth and sponge baths. Keep enough for the entire family to have water for 24 to 72 hours. A good rule of thumb is to have one gallon of water for each person or pet in the household for each day you are out of water service.
- Keep several gallons of non-potable water for flushing toilets. It is advised to remember that toilets do not have to be flushed every time they are used to help conserve your water supply. The easiest ways to flush your toilet is to fill the tank with water and then flush as normal or pour water directly into the bowl until the pressure forces it to flush.
- Under any circumstances (emergency or non emergency) it is best to not flush any foreign objects other than toilet paper. Sanitary products such as wipes and feminine products should be placed in the trash. If disposed of in the toilet, it will take more water to flush the toilet and significantly increase the likelihood of clogged plumbing.
During an extended outage in the water system, emergency responders will work to ensure potable water is available to customers. However, having an emergency preparedness plan will help you and your family be ready for an unexpected event.
If your area is going to be affected by no water service or low water pressure during a tropical storm, an AVL Alert is the fastest and most direct way to be notified. If you are not signed up to receive AVL Alerts, please click here to do so.
9/26 at 11:00 a.m.
Trash, Recycling, and Brush Collection Information
Trash and recycling collection are currently running today.
There may be delays and/or no collection in areas that are inaccessible.
Trash or recycling that is missed Thursday will be collected on Monday.
Please download the freeAVLcollectsapp orsign up on our websitefor alerts to stay up to date on sanitation service delays or cancellations.
If trash or recycling collections are suspended at some point today, we will send out an alert via AVL Collects and other City messaging channels.
Brush collection has been temporarily suspended.
Brush crews will be assisting with emergency response and debris removal.
Normal collections will resume as the situation allows.
Know your information sources
Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:
City of Asheville – You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.
AVL Alerts
Stormwater staff will be using AVL Alerts to alert community members of issues in their more immediate area. So please make sure to sign up for AVL Alerts
Traffic / Road Closures
We are advising community members to monitor the WAZE app for real time closure and hazard information. Additionally Drive NC.gov
Community Partners
The City of Asheville also encourages community members to monitor other government or service provider websites and social media for their latest information as well.
The County has established a NON-Emergency line for community reports : 828-250-6650. This for things like downed trees, debris, power line concerns. Please call 9-1-1 for life threatening situations
- National Weather Service
- NCDOT Twitter: NCDOT_Asheville for local information or @NCDOT for regional/ statewide information
- Duke Energy
- Code Purple will be active Thursday and Friday.
9/26 at 9:00 a.m.
Additional Asheville Rapid Transit (ART) impacts
Detours are in place for WE-1 bus route:
Due to a road closure at Swannanoa River Rd & Azalea Rd, detours are in place between Swannanoa River Rd at Tunnel Rd and Swannanoa River Rd at Governors View Rd.
In the inbound direction, bus stops 436, 433, 434, 799, 432, 431, 471, 430, 429 will be missed until further notice.
Inbound passengers are advised to use alertnative bus stops 437 or546while the detour is in effect.
In the outbound direction, bus stops 418, 419, 420, 421, 423, 424, 422 will be missed until further notice.
Outbound passengers are advised to use alternative bus stops 416 and425while the detour is in effect.
Events/ Facilities Impacts
- The WNC Nature Center will be closed Thursday and Friday.
Meetings / Commissions Cancellations
- All City of Asheville Board and Commission meetings Thursday and Friday are canceled.
Know your information sources
Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:
City of Asheville – You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.
AVL Alerts
Stormwater staff will be using AVL Alerts to alert community members of issues in their more immediate area. So please make sure to sign up for AVL Alerts
Traffic / Road Closures
We are advising community members to monitor the WAZE app for real time closure and hazard information. Additionally Drive NC.gov
Community Partners
The City of Asheville also encourages community members to monitor other government or service provider websites and social media for their latest information as well.
The County has established a NON-Emergency line for community reports : 828-250-6650. This for things like downed trees, debris, power line concerns. Please call 9-1-1 for life threatening situations
- National Weather Service
- NCDOT Twitter: NCDOT_Asheville for local information or @NCDOT for regional/ statewide information
- Duke Energy
- Code Purple will be active Thursday and Friday.
9/25 at 8:30 p.m.
Heavy rains from Helene impact Asheville Rapid Transit (ART) routes and Parks and Recreation facility openings
Due to a road closure on Lodge St, detours are in place for ART Routes S1 & S5.
Bus stops along Lodge St, Sweeten Creek Rd., and London Rd., will be missed until further notice.
This includes: 170, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 649, and 650
Passengers at the regular stops listed above may board inboundbuses at the following bus stops:
Route S1 & S5:Bus Stop 651located on Biltmore Ave near Bryson St.
Route S1:Bus Stop 641located on White Ave near W. Chapel Rd.
Route S5:Bus Stop 137located on Fairview Rd at The District.
Parks and Recreation Facilities
All Asheville Parks & Recreation (APR) parks, community centers, and facilities are closed on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27 due to inclement weather. Previously scheduled activities, events, programs, and rentals are canceled during this time.
We will continue to monitor weather conditions and announce any schedule changes as they become available. Visit this page for a list of APR locations.
9/25 at 4:10 p.m.
The City of Asheville will experience heavy rainfall and strong winds beginning tomorrow as a result of Hurricane Helene.
Staff from across the City are already hard at work preparing Asheville to weather the rain and wind forecasted to come our way.
Asheville Fire is proactively preparing for major weather impacts by activating specialty teams to include boat teams, saw teams, team leaders, safety officers, battalion and division chiefs for the duration of the weather event. This will allow Asheville Fire to continue to provide excellent service to the community while these personnel will respond to storm related emergencies.
Stormwater crews have been inspecting construction sites for on-going stormwater projects, clearing debris from flood prone areas, testing equipment in preparation of restoration efforts, and clearing storm drain grates.
City of Asheville staff across strategic departments will be on call and available to respond throughout the storm. Staff are meeting to coordinate preparation and response throughout this weather event to adjust plans as needed.
The National Weather Service forecasts 10 to 15 inches of rain are expected to accumulate in the Asheville area with potential for flash or localized flooding. You can follow updates at The National Weather Service website.
Tips to Prepare
- Stay Calm.
- Be Prepared. Develop an emergency plan and create an emergency kit. Visit NCReady for additional information. Inform yourself about floods.
- Keep a supply of fresh water and non-perishable food on hand.
- Fuel your vehicles.
- Clean out storm drains near your home or business, removing any debris.
- Create an inventory of your personal property and its approximate value. Save receipts from expensive items.
- Have a battery-operated flashlight.
- Have a battery-operated radio, TV, or internet access that does not rely on electricity.
- Do not approach downed power lines. Report a down power line here.
- Sign up for AVL Alerts.
Driving Tips: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Due to the potential of fast moving storm waters or flash flooding, the City of Asheville advises community members to use caution on the roads. If possible, travel when only necessary. If you must travel, the City will be updating on the AVL Alert system and updating maps on Waze to provide updated road information. As always, when there’s the potential of high water on the road, the phrase to keep in mind is: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Where to follow for information
Asheville Fire Department
During storm-related emergencies, the City of Asheville’s Fire Department is the lead agency to coordinate and manage the action plan and operations during the incident. As always, Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.
Please continue to monitor Asheville Fire Department social media for updates:
City of Asheville
You can also find updated information on impacts to City offered programs, activities and services by monitoring our the City of Asheville Website as well as updates on our social media accounts.
AVL Alerts
Stormwater staff will be using AVL Alerts to alert community members of issues in their more immediate area. So please make sure to sign up for AVL Alerts
The Waze App will be a source of information on road closures and hazards.
Community Partners
The City of Asheville also encourages community members to monitor other government or service provider websites and social media for their latest information as well.
- National Weather Service
- NCDOT Twitter: NCDOT_Asheville for local information or @NCDOT for regional/ statewide information
- Duke Energy
- Code Purple will be active Thursday and Friday.
Impacted Services or Events
As our community prepares for a weekend of wind and rain, it’s important to note some scheduled services, activities and events have been or have the potential to be impacted.
Parks & Recreation
- Parking lots are closed at all riverfront parks below beginning on Wednesday, September 25 at 5 p.m.
- Amboy Riverfront Park
- Azalea Park
- Azalea Dog Park
- Carrier Park
- Craven Street Bridge Boat Access Area
- French Broad River Park
- French Broad River Dog Park
- Jean Webb Park
- Pearson Bridge River Access Area
- Recreation Park
- Riverbend Park
Sanitation
- City of Asheville waste collection will run as scheduled. If any trash or recycling is missed Thursday due to weather-related issues, it will be collected Monday. Normal brush collection routes may be delayed in order to assist with emergency operations.
ART services
- There are no disruptions to Transit schedules at this time. Any delays or route changes will be communicated and noticed through iRide and Transit app
Events
- The Block Party Career Fair scheduled for September 26 has been canceled.
- Aston Park Tennis Center and the Municipal Golf Course are open until weather dictates a closure, and will reopen as possible. Please call the clubhouses in advance to check the status.
- AFD Fire Prevention Kick off event scheduled at the outlets on September 28 has been canceled.