What to know ahead of Asheville major winter storm, Gov. declares state of emergency
ASHEVILLE - The city is preparing for the major winter storm, which weather forecasters say will impact Western North Carolina the night of Jan. 15 through Jan. 16, and officials are asking residents to do their part by staying off roads during the storm and being prepared with emergency supplies.
Governor Roy Cooper signed a state of emergency Jan. 13 in advance of the storm's arrival and is urging people to prepare, according a news release from the office.
“This storm will bring significant impacts from snow, sleet and freezing rain in different parts of the state, with likely power outages and travel disruptions,” said Cooper.
“North Carolinians should pay close attention to their local weather forecast over the next few days, and make sure they are personally prepared before Saturday afternoon.”
National Weather Service meteorologists are predicting about 7-10 inches of snow, and an advisory on the website says, "significant accumulations of snow are possible, and sleet and freezing rain may mix in at times, especially in southern mountain locations.”
According to a news release, the Asheville Public Works Department is taking a "proactive approach" to the forecast. Street Division crews will hit the roads Jan. 14, prepping against the oncoming snow storm.
Related: Forecast update on how much snow winter storm will drop on Asheville, Buncombe County
“Our staff is steadily preparing our equipment to begin snow removal operations when needed,” said Public Works Director Greg Shuler. “We have plenty of salt, our staffing levels are in good shape, and our equipment is ready to go.”
Street crews are scheduled to report as the predicted storm moves in Saturday night and will be prepping and plowing streets as conditions require. Staffing will continue on a 24-hour basis throughout the storm.
North Carolina Department of Transportation crews and contractor resources will work to clear roads as fast as possible, but response times are expected to be slower than previous storms due to labor shortages impacting crews spread around the state, according to the state release.
NCDOT workers started brining roads Jan. 13 in preparation for the storm and expect to complete that work on Jan. 14. Transportation officials recommend staying off the roads once travel conditions deteriorate.
Buncombe County spokesperson Kassi Day said county emergency services is also monitoring the weather and will work with county management to push out any necessary messages.
She encouraged people to take action now for any items they may need, such as groceries, pet food, propane or heating oil and alternate sources of heat.
More: West Asheville Trinity United Methodist newest Code Purple homeless shelter
"We encourage everyone to watch their local weather stations, and NWS alerts, keep your phone batteries charged, and have extra blankets and an emergency kit ready," Day said.
She directed residents to the county's preparedness page for tips, tricks and helpful numbers.
Related: Blue Ridge Parkway mostly open in Asheville corridor, some parts to close for maintenance
People can sign up for Buncombe County alerts at buncombecounty.org/codered or text bcalert to 99411. They can sign up for Asheville Alerts at ashevillenc.gov/service/sign-up-for-avl-alert/.
Both city and county encouraged residents to limit travel and stay off of the road during snow events if possible.
County and city closings
Asheville city government offices and Buncombe County offices will be closed Jan. 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
ART bus service routes and facilities will operate on a holiday schedule, which is the same as the Sunday schedule.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of six days ART runs on a reduced holiday schedule. For more route information or service alerts, visit RidetheART.com.
Asheville City Schools are closed Jan. 14 due to COVID-19-related staffing shortages. Schools are also closed Jan. 18.
More: Spiking COVID-19 infections decimate Asheville City Schools staff; forces system to close
Red Cross recommendations
After Asheville's Jan. 3 storm caused power outages across the county, the Red Cross opened a shelter to assistant families impacted.
Maya Franklin, regional director of communications for Red Cross, said the organization does not currently have plans to open shelters, but stands ready to support community members as needed in coordination with its emergency partners.
If the need is determined, the location of the shelter will depend on where the community is most impacted, she said.
In the meantime, the Red Cross recommends the following:
Monitor alerts. Check local weather reports and any notifications. by phone, television or radio.
Don’t use a gas stove to heat your home and do not use outdoor stoves indoors for heating or cooking.
Unplug appliances and electronics to avoid power overloads or damage from power surges. Use flashlights, not candles.
Tips from North Carolina Emergency Management officials
Always keep at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food and a supply of medication in your home.
Keep cell phones and mobile devices charged in case of power outages.
Keep fresh batteries on hand for weather radios and flashlights.
Dress warmly. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
Properly vent kerosene heaters and ensure generators are operated outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors.
Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.
Store an emergency kit in your vehicle. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit and road map.
Make an emergency supplies kit for your pet and include medical records, leash and feeding supplies, enough food and for several days and pet travel carrier.
Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.
Code Purple shelter options
Asheville's Code Purple is extended through Jan. 16. Options are:
ABCCM Costello House for men, 141 Hillside St., 4 p.m. and throughout the night in addition to law enforcement and paramedic escorts after hours.
Salvation Army for women and children only, 6-7 p.m. Law enforcement or paramedic escort allowed after hours, 828-253-4723.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 587 Haywood Road is available for overnight for families, couples and other vulnerable people who are unable to access other options. Entry for overnights is 4-7 p.m. Law enforcement or paramedics after hours, 828-253-5471.
Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Closings, shelters: What to know ahead of Asheville NC winter storm
