Tropical Storm Helene Recovery Resources

You can find the latest news here.

Updates through local radio

Public administration officials hold press conferences daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The briefings will be broadcast live on the website Buncombe County Facebook page and were also broadcast on Blue Ridge Public Radio 88.1 FM. You can also hear them on iHeart radio stations including 99.9, 104.3, 105.1 and 570 AM.

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September 29, 2024

WATER

When will service be restored?

Tropical Storm Helene caused severe damage to the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville's water system. Extensive repairs are needed to treatment facilities, underground and above-ground water pipes, and washed-away roads that prevent water personnel from accessing portions of the system. Although it is impossible to provide an exact timeline, it is important to note that restoring service to the entire system could potentially take weeks.

As repairs progress, water service will be restored in some areas before others, based solely on the extent of damage to the system.

What to do if you have running water?

Customers who currently have water should fill bathtubs and other available containers to prepare for loss of service. Please remember that the boil water warning also applies to customers who have water available.

What to do if you have bottled drinking water or drinking water preserved?

Drinking water is limited, please only use drinking water for drinking, not for rinsing.

Shelters

General public lodging at WNC Agricultural Center – 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC at full capacity at the time of writing.

General public accommodation at AB Tech – 6 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (use Victoria Road entrance)

Emergency Medical Shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801

DELIVERIES

Food and water supplies have been ordered to help our community in need. We hope to receive these shipments in the next day or two. Until then, please remain conservative and help your neighbors when possible.

Distribution locations have been identified and will be announced as supplies become available.

Without power, many gas stations are not open and fuel is currently unavailable. We ask everyone to conserve fuel and not drive unless it is an emergency.

BUS SERVICE

Bus services remain suspended while buses are involved in relief efforts. While running this service, the following will be displayed on the bus destination sign:Special order.” When service resumes, ART buses will have the regular route name on the destination sign.

ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

APD is in full swingAtrol staff. In addition, federal and NC State officials assist with security and other needs of local law enforcement.

ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

AFD is continuing rescue efforts in hard-hit areas and will begin canvassing neighborhoods as needed. For those who need medical attention or are unable to reach 911, each fire station has a firefighter available 24 hours a day.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Structural damage should be reported to a person's insurance company as soon as possible.

A citywide initial assessment by FEMA and a team of city staff (DSD, Fire Department, Public Works) will begin on Sunday, September 29th. Community members will watch as city staff conduct assessments to determine the extent of overall storm damage.

A Development Services Department will be established to receive and issue permits for the removal and replacement of damaged areas. Permit fees are waived for removal and repair permits.

• If you have questions about buildings affected by this storm:

PUBLIC WORKS/RENOVATION

Public Works is working to remove storm debris from roads to allow critical access for emergency vehicles. Public Works will be constructing debris removal routes in the coming weeks. Information on garbage and recycling collection is continually updated.

City offices and parks will remain closed on Monday. September 30, 2024 to provide full support to recovery efforts.

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September 28, 2024

WATER

When will service be restored?

Water Resources cannot conduct a full damage assessment until conditions improve and crews have access to water mains.

What to do if you have running water?

Customers who currently have water should fill bathtubs and other available containers to prepare for loss of service. Please remember that the boil water warning also applies to customers who have water available.

What to do if you have bottled drinking water or drinking water preserved?

Drinking water is limited, please only use drinking water for drinking, not for rinsing.

What to do if you need water?

The State Emergency Operations Center is sending drinking water to Asheville. Designated distribution points will be set up and a distribution system is currently being set up.

We will share more information as it becomes available. Information is shared through multiple channels including radio, television news, AVL Alerts and the City of Asheville website at www.ashevillenc.gov and through social media updates.

SHELTER

WNC Agriculture Center is located at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher NC.

BUS SERVICE

Bus services will be suspended on Saturday, September 28th as the buses are involved in relief efforts. While running this service, the following will be displayed on the bus destination sign:Special order.”

When service resumes, ART buses will have the regular route name on the destination sign.

For the most up-to-date bus service information or to receive SMS alerts for bus service, text 41411 and enter “NextART” or call (828) 259-5691.

ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

APD is in full swingAtrol staff. In addition, federal and NC State officials assist with security and other needs of local law enforcement. To ensure the safest environment possible, a curfew will be in effect from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. until further notice.

ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

AFD is continuing rescue efforts in hard-hit areas and will begin canvassing neighborhoods as needed. For those who need medical attention or are unable to reach 911, each fire station has a firefighter available 24 hours a day.

DEVELOPMENT SERVICES

Structural damage should be reported to a person's insurance company as soon as possible.

A citywide initial assessment by FEMA and a team of city staff (DSD, Fire Department, Public Works) will begin on Sunday, September 29th. Community members will watch as city staff conduct assessments to determine the extent of overall storm damage.A Development Services Department will be established to receive and issue permits for the removal and replacement of damaged areas. Permit fees are waived for removal and repair permits.

• If you have questions about buildings affected by this storm:

PUBLIC WORKS/RENOVATION

Public Works is working to remove storm debris from roads to allow critical access for emergency vehicles. Public Works will be constructing debris removal routes in the coming weeks. Information on garbage and recycling collection is continually updated.

PARKS AND RECREATION

All parks and facilities remain closed until further notice.

City offices will remain closed on Monday. September 30, 2024 to provide full support to recovery efforts.

Non-urgent matters 828-250-6650

Downed power lines call 9-1-1

Power outages duke – 1-800-228-8485

Problems with natural gas Domination – 1-866-366-4357

**Disclaimer:** The information provided in this sheet reflects current services and resources provided by the City of Asheville following the recent storm. Please note that these services are subject to change based on ongoing assessments and community needs. We encourage residents to stay informed through media and official City channels for the most up-to-date information.