Buncombe County is currently under a Winter Weather Advisory. The area is forecasted to receive 1-2 inches of accumulation, primarily in the higher elevations and eastern parts of the county. With temperatures below freezing until Friday, icing is expected overnight and Thursday, creating hazardous road conditions. Residents are urged to use caution when traveling, drive slowly, and be mindful of slippery sidewalks and bridges. This advisory continues through noon on Thursday for much of Western North Carolina.
Additionally, strong winds are expected tomorrow, increasing the risk of falling trees and branches. These conditions may result in intermittent power outages.
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
- Prepare an emergency kit for vehicles, including an ice scraper, jumper cables, a tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a road map.
- Dress warmly in layers when going outside to prevent hypothermia.
- Ensure pets have adequate shelter and supplies, including food, water, and a warm place to stay.
- Check on neighbors and elderly residents who may need assistance.
- Operate generators safely by keeping them outdoors and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Use battery-powered lights instead of candles to reduce fire hazards.
- Exercise caution when using portable heaters and maintain at least a three-foot clearance from flammable objects.
Helene Recovery Resource Event Rescheduled
Due to hazardous conditions, the Helene Recovery Resource Series event at Owen High School has been rescheduled to Monday, March 3, from 5-7 p.m. Residents can receive FEMA application assistance, birth certificates, legal guidance, free vaccines, and more at:
- Reynolds High School: 1 Rocket Dr., Asheville, Tues., Feb. 25, 5-7 p.m.
- Leicester Community Center: 2979 New Leicester Hwy., Thurs., Feb. 27, 5-7 p.m.
- Owen High School, Black Mountain: 99 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, Monday, March. 3, 5-7 p.m.
Code Purple Activation and Community Care Stations
Buncombe County and partners continue working to ensure unhoused residents have access to warm shelter through the Code Purple initiative. On Code Purple days, participating shelters increase capacity, relax entry requirements, and free ART bus transportation is available to these shelters.
While not a shelter, the Community Care Station at Owen Pool in Swannanoa remains open overnight when temperatures drop below 32 degrees to support warming.
Additional Community Care Stations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Fairview Ingles, Morgan Hill Baptist Church (Barnardsville Highway), and Bethel United Methodist Church (Riceville Road).
Disaster Recovery Centers Closed Today
All Disaster Recovery Centers in Western North Carolina are closed today due to inclement weather. Residents can still apply for FEMA assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or via the FEMA app. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 8.
Debris Removal Updates
- Crews are currently conducting the second pass for public right-of-way debris removal. If your street has not yet been addressed, contact the One Buncombe Call Center at 828-250-6100. The deadline the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has received for public right of way debris is March 1, so if residents are unable to get their debris to the right of way, they should sign up for private property debris removal.
- Private Property Debris Removal applications are open, with 3,000 applications received. Inspections are underway, and over 100 properties have had debris removed at no cost. Waterway debris removal crews are actively working with 15 teams and 43 hauling trucks.
Financial Assistance and Programs
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Deadline Extended – Buncombe residents impacted by Helene, including business owners, can apply for DUA until March 10 at des.nc.gov.
- American Red Cross Assistance – If FEMA assessed your property as having major damage or worse, you may qualify for additional financial assistance. Visit Red Cross Western NC Chapter (100 Edgewood Road) today until 6 p.m., apply at redcross.org/helenerelief, or attend a Resources for Recovery event.
- Hazard Mitigation Grant Program applications remain open for residents seeking assistance with elevation, reconstruction, landslide mitigation, or property acquisition.
- Buncombe residents with damage to streambanks causing infrastructure threats may be eligible for the Emergency Watershed Protection program through the USDA. It assists with debris-clogged waterways, floodplains, and unstable streambanks. Visit buncombeready.org to fill out the Buncombe County Property Damage form or call the call center at 828-250-6100 to get connected to the program.
Scams Impacting Residents
Captain Elliott Summey and Detective Tawny Jones with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office joined the community briefing to alert the public of a scam currently circulating in the area.
“This scam isn’t new, but we are seeing a concerning increase in cases,” said Captain Summey. “Scammers are calling residents, claiming to be with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and they sound highly convincing.”
Scammers use caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate, they may know personal details, including your address, they claim you missed jury duty and must pay immediately to avoid arrest, and they demand payment through suspicious means, often Walmart gift cards.
Important things to remember:
- The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call demanding money for any reason.
- If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.
- If you have concerns about a call claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office, contact us directly at 828-250-6670. Captain Summey and Captain Angie Tullis are available to verify any inquiries.
To view the community briefing, go to facebook.com/buncombegov. The next community briefing will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 11 a.m.