News release from the City of Asheville:
The City of Asheville will experience heavy rainfall and strong winds beginning as a result of Tropical Storm 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 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 Dept 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.
NCDOT Twitter: NCDOT_Asheville for local information or @NCDOT for regional/ statewide information
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
Regional Entertainment Facilities
- 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.
Events
The Block Party Career Fair scheduled for September 26 has been canceled.
AFD Fire Prevention Kick off event scheduled at the outlets has been canceled.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.