In the face of 6 to 10 inches of expected snow, the city of Asheville has announced new closings and postponements. Here’s a news release with details that was sent by the city this afternoon:
City responds to winter storm, transit will suspend service at 6:30 p.m.
ASHEVILLE – A winter storm warning remains in effect for Asheville with very heavy snowfall predicted during the early morning hours on Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, six to ten inches of snow can be expected across most of the area.
The City of Asheville began operating its Emergency Operations Center at 4 p.m. bringing fire, police and public works personnel under one roof for a seamless response to the storm.
Parking will be free in all city garages through 10 a.m. Monday morning. “We’re asking citizens who come downtown to park in city parking garages so trucks can completely plow streets,” said Public Works Director Cathy Ball. “It’s also helpful for citizens to think about removing their cars from streets in their neighborhoods where plows may try to get through,” said Ball.
Removing cars from on-street parking allows trucks to safely navigate roadways with room to completely remove the snow, making it easier for property owners to better keep the sidewalks in front of their homes or businesses free of snow.
The following facilities and activities operated by the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts (PRCA) department are closed or cancelled:
· WNC Nature Center
· Food Lion Skate Park
· Asheville Municipal Golf Course
· All Community and Senior Centers
· Ski Trip to Cataloochee Ski Area
The following facilities and activities operated by the PRCA department will be closed tomorrow, Saturday, Jan. 30:
· Youth Basketball at Asheville Middle School
· Adaptive Bowling at Star Lanes
· WNC Nature Center
· Food Lion Skate Park
· Asheville Municipal Golf Course
· All Community and Senior Centers
City transit service will suspend service at 6:30 p.m. this evening meaning there will be no evening service. Routes will run on a 2-3 hour delay Saturday morning based on road conditions. Updates on transit service will be made available. Visit www.ashevilletransit.com or call 253-5691 for transit information.
In the event of an emergency, citizens are urged to call 9-1-1. Citizens who are in need of prescription medications or medical supplies and services but are unable to leave their homes due to hazardous roadway conditions may call 252-1110 for assistance.
Residents are asked to call 251-1122 to report downed trees, water problems or questions about sanitation pickup.
Updates about weather conditions and city services can be found at www.ashevillenc.gov and www.facebook.com/cityofasheville. The Asheville Fire Department will share information about roadway conditions and other emergency notifications at www.twitter.com/ashevillefd.
To report power outages, call Progress Energy at (800) 419-6356. For more information about what to do if you lose power, visit http://progress-energy.com/aboutenergy/stormcentral/outage/index.asp.
For further updates or information about roadway conditions, media representatives may call (828) 552-1311.
Contact: Dawa Hitch
Day: (828) 259-5981
Mobile: (828) 552-13
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