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From the coast of Tampa to our Appalachian Mountains, Helene brought significant destruction across 500 miles, leaving many communities in Western NC in urgent need of support and recovery.
On Sept. 29, President Joe Biden approved Gov. Roy Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Helene, enabling immediate federal assistance for 25 counties in NC and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Buncombe County’s briefings are now held once per day at 11 a.m. You can livestream the updates on the Buncombe County Government Facebook page or tune into Blue Ridge Public Radio 88.1 FM or the iHeart radio stations, including 99.9, 104.3, and 105.1 FM and 570 AM.
Here’s what we know:
Friday, Oct. 18
Please note that there will be no live briefings on Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20.
Buncombe County Schools shares reopening plan
On Friday morning, the Buncombe County Board of Education approved a reopening plan for Buncombe County Schools. Wednesday, Oct. 23 and Thursday, Oct. 24 will be return-to-work days for teachers and staff, including bus drivers, TSAs, and nutrition team members. The first student day will be Friday, Oct. 25. That day, along with the school days of Monday, Oct. 28 through Friday, Nov. 1, will operate on a two-hour delay for students.
Water treatment continues at the reservoir
After aluminum sulfate and caustic soda were deposited in the North Fork Reservoir, the coagulation process (and thus, the treatment of the water) has begun. Communications Specialist Clay Chandler said that there is not a timeline for the treatment but that it will be a long process, “I’d love to be able to tell you, but I just can’t.” Find more details on the treatment.
At this time, ~90% of service has been restored. Chandler provided an update on two pockets that are still without water:
- There is a leak at Bee Tree that crews are trying to locate. There is no exact timetable for water restoration for the ~40 homes that this line serves.
- In Eastmoor, contractors were able to clear much of the debris. Crews hope to make a second connection of the temporary line today, Oct. 18 — pushing water to the residents by tonight. Chandler encouraged homes in the lower portions of the neighborhood to conserve water to allow it to more easily reach those in higher elevations.
The City of Asheville is not assessing late fees for water bills, sending delinquent notices, creating new bills, or doing any cuts-offs for non-payment at this time.
Disaster debris removal is underway
Estimates show that Hurricane Helene created 5 million cubic yards of debris in the public right of ways in incorporated Buncombe County alone. With this historic amount, it will be a long removal process. The Solid Waste department is engaging with partners in the assessment process for debris pickup on private roads.
A few reminders:
- Trucks are making several passes. You should push your debris at the right of way even at sites that were previously full and were picked up — trucks will come by again to pick up.
- Put safety first when moving debris, and use appropriate protective gear, like long pants, long sleeves, safety gloves, and glasses.
- Do not block roads with debris.
Town of Black Mountain on a boil water notice
The Town of Black Mountain is now under a boil water notice, meaning that after vigorously boiling for 1 minute, this water can be used for drinking, cooking, and more.
Two school distribution sites will be closed
At the end of the day on Friday, Oct. 18, the food and water distribution sites at North Windy Ridge Intermediate and Estes Elementary will close to support school reopening. There will be no other changes to water and food sites or community care stations over the weekend.
Buncombe Parks are closed, but Asheville parks start opening
Buncombe County parks are closed and all Parks and Recreation events, including Fall-O-Ween, are canceled indefinitely as staff have been reassigned to help with disaster recovery and response. Asheville Parks & Recreation crews have reopened 32 parks and continue to clear debris, examine playgrounds and other equipment, survey playing fields, and take other actions to open more locations. See which parks are in operation.
Staying healthy during cleanup
Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore shared important health guidelines for those working on recovery and post-disaster cleanup. See how to stay safe from tetanus, mold-related illness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and more.
Home inspections + FEMA jobs
Nearly 37,000 people have been approved for more than $43.5 million in Buncombe County. Register for disaster assistance at www.disasterassistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, downloading the FEMA app, or visiting the Disaster Assistance Center at AC Reynolds High School.
If your home inspection shows that there was an issue with inaccessibility, you should call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit the Disaster Recovery Center to reschedule.
FEMA is building a WNC team to assist with long-term recovery. This is common practice in large disasters, said the FEMA representative, “People who are part of the community have the most equity in its recovery.” You can apply online at usajobs.gov.
Notes from the US Geological Survey
US Geological Survey staff map, model, and respond to landslide events. According to Jonathan Godt from the USGS, “As far as landslide disasters, this is one of the worst in US history in terms of impact.” There were at least 1,000 landslides in WNC initiated by this storm sequence.
The NCGS and the USGS worked in partnership to identify any potential major landslide movement in the coming months that would impact recovery efforts, but none have been identified. However, they did share a word of caution — any landslide scars (meaning the areas where a landslide happened) can become active again under the right conditions. The organizations are working with Buncombe County to share risk information.
Power update from Duke and safety info
As of Friday morning, 636 Duke Energy customers in Buncombe County remain without power. If your electrical service has not been restored, turn off all circuit breakers in your panel, especially your water heater. Do not repower your home and leave. Monitor your home for smoking, discolored, or excessively warm outlets. Visually monitor your circuit panel.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Weaverville water milestone
After assessing water samples, the boil water advisory has been lifted for Town of Weaverville water customers only. It’s very important to note that the boil water notice remains in the City of Asheville and the boil water advisory remains across the county. In the Town of Black Mountain, however, the water can strictly be used for flushing only.
Details on Asheville City Schools reopening
Asheville City Schools superintendent Dr. Maggie Fehrman shared that every ACS campus has nonpotable water, although service and pressure vary. “However, I am fully confident that ACS can reopen for all students starting on Oct. 28,” she said.
Before ACS campuses reopen, there’s still work to be done — including testing bus routes, securing sufficient food and resources to cook with nonpotable water, and allotting time for staff to return and prepare for students.
The biggest need continues to be securing drinkable water for students and staff. Based on guidance from FEMA, ACS is able to provide enough water for school to resume with shortened days. ACS, Buncombe County Schools, the incident management team, and seven local charter schools are working collaboratively to distribute drinking water to all public school students.
ACS had previously explored drilling wells at schools, with one successfully drilled at Hall Fletcher Elementary. However, Dr. Fehrman explained that ACS is changing its focus to securing drinkable water through donations, bottled water, and its partnership with Buncombe County Schools. She said that after students return, ACS will strategically look into wells as a backup option.
Dr. Fehrman said that ACS families will receive more information later this week.
Buncombe County Schools reopening update
As for Buncombe County Schools, no specific goal date has been shared for reopening. BCS superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson said the team is working to reopen schools as soon as possible.
Of the 45 Buncombe County Schools, 44 have power, 34 have water, and 38 have internet connectivity. Seven of the 45 schools are undergoing restoration work due to flooded classrooms and significant roof leaks.
Transportation is an issue for BCS; bus routes are being redrawn and community stops are being identified in areas with significant damage. Dr. Jackson pointed out that although trees have been trimmed back on some roads to allow cars to pass, buses still can’t navigate due to size.
The school system will continue providing free breakfast and lunch to students. In addition, the system will bring in additional school counselors and social workers from school systems across NC.
Assistance from Eblen Charities
The nonprofit continues to provide people with gas vouchers as well as assistance with rent and mortgage payments.
Last week, the organization opened a free store, offering warm clothing and blankets, hygiene supplies, diapers, food, water, and many more essentials. The store opens at 9 a.m. at 23 Hamilton St. in Asheville. Additionally, Eblen is hosting a winter clothing giveaway next Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m.
The Thanksgiving meal giveaway and St. Nicholas holiday gift store will operate as normal. Executive Director Beth Russo added, “I know not all of us are thinking about Thanksgiving meals right now; it is something that brings normalcy and celebration to our lives.”
Early voting is underway
Early voting began this morning, Oct. 17, and runs through Saturday, Nov. 2.
Earlier this month, as a result of Hurricane Helene, the Buncombe County Board of Elections approved a revised early voting plan with changes to polling places and hours. From Thursday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Nov. 1, polls are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On the last day of early voting, Saturday, Nov. 2, polls are open from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Same-day registration is available during the early voting period, and voters are welcome to cast their ballot at any of the approved locations.
Find your sample ballot. You’ll also need a photo ID to cast your ballot — if you don’t have one, you can get one from Buncombe County Election Services at 59 Woodfin Pl., Asheville.
Service updates from Spectrum
Spectrum service has been restored for 70% of customers in Buncombe County, leaving about 28,000 customers without. Spectrum has pushed back its estimated date for full restoration to Monday, Oct. 21.
Progress made in inspections
Buncombe County Permits and Inspections staff have performed more than 1,400 damage assessment inspections and processed over 1,000 applications.
Once the safety of the structure is determined and the damage is rated, a building will receive a colored placard.
- Yellow means the building is damaged — on the placard, it will detail whether a person can go inside, cannot go inside, or if someone can go in only to retrieve belongings.
- Red means there is serious structural or electrical damage and the building can’t be occupied.
RIght now, permits for storm-related restoration projects are free. If a home is located withing a special flood hazard area and significant damage occurred, call the flood plain administrator for guidance at 828-250-4830. Find answers to frequently asked questions about emergency permits.
Wednesday, Oct. 16
Further progress made on water restoration
Assistant City Manager Ben Woody began the water service update with a recognition of the crews that have worked and continue to work so hard during this crisis. Although there is a lot of work to go, Woody said, “I’ve seen the best in my coworkers and also the best in my community through these difficult times.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, North and West Asheville began to receive some water. Apart from Bee Tree and the Eastmoor neighborhood, North and West Asheville were the last two areas without at least some degree of water service. Communications Specialist Clay Chandler shared two examples of why some pockets of the system still don’t have service:
- Bee Tree’s service line will require backfilling for stabilization before it can handle water pressure. Water Resources crews should complete that either late Wednesday, Oct. 16 or first thing Thursday, Oct. 17.
- The Eastmoor neighborhood is served by a single 6-inch line that Helene washed out. Personnel and equipment from TP Howard will begin clearing underbrush and debris, then place a temporary pipe to restore service to the ~75 homes while a permanent fix is made.
Chandler emphasized that although the map above looks full, it is not meant to denote that everyone in the highlighted areas has service; restoration is just substantial in these areas. He estimated that the city is at around 75-80% restoration.
In what Chandler called the “most exciting update of the day,” large batches of aluminum sulfate and caustic soda arrived at the North Fork reservoir on Tuesday. These chemicals will be used for the in-reservoir treatment to aid coagulation and PH balance, respectively, clearing the water from the top down. The applicator boat arrived at the site on Wednesday morning. Conditions, like the water temperature, have changed, but the team should have an idea of how long that treatment process will take by Friday, Oct. 18. Note: These materials are used by the Water Resources Department as part of their normal treatment process.
When the system is turned over from the current nonpotable water to the treated water, service should be “pretty seamless.”
Find guidance on the current boil water notice, and check out answers to your frequently asked boil water notice questions. Note: The Town of Black Mountain should still only use their water for flushing toilets. Even if boiled, it should not be consumed by pets or people.
D-SNAP is now available
Anyone impacted by Hurricane Helene can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help buy food through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also called D-SNAP). If you’d like to apply, go online to epass.nc.gov or call 1-844-453-1117.
Damage numbers for Buncombe County
A damage assessment for properties in the unincorporated parts of Buncombe County is ~70% complete. Updated numbers will be provided as the assessment continues, but as of now, 770 structures received minor damage, 975 structures received major damage, and 575 structures were completely destroyed. The City of Asheville will provide an update on its numbers at the briefing on Friday, Oct. 18.
An update from Spectrum
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Spectrum experienced a major cut to an underground fiber line in Marion that was helping to connect customers in this region. As of this morning, 31,500 customers remain offline. Their crews are out and working on repairs and still expect to make all repairs to locations that have power and are accessible by Saturday, Oct. 19.
What to do if your power goes out again
As of Wednesday morning, 2,040 customers remain without power in Buncombe County. Some homes may get power but then lose it. So if this happens to you, text OUT to 57801, report it online or call 800.POWERON (800.769.3766).
Storm debris collection is beginning
Buncombe County has asked that residents use the collection services that are offered. On Wednesday, debris collection trucks will be in Swannanoa, Barnardsville, and outside of Woodfin.
Residents urged not to burn
Many residents and businesses are turning to open burning as a means of disposal, but as our region dries out, local fire chiefs and the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency say that community members should not burn openly due to fire risk. Never burn trash or synthetic materials.
For storm debris that is being gathered with the intention of conducting open burning including the use of air curtain burners, permission is required from the Asheville-Buncombe Air Quality Agency and there are certain requirements that must be met. Please contact the Agency at 828-250-6777, airquality@buncombecounty.org, or abairquality.org.
If you determine that you have to burn, follow these guidelines:
- Keep debris burning to small, three-foot piles.
- Do not ever leave a fire unattended.
- Have a method of extinguish a fire: water, dirt or sand, motorized equipment, or a fire extinguisher.
- Keep all burn areas clear of any combustible debris or vegetation.
- Stay 25 feet or more from structures and all wooded areas. Note: This recommendation increased from 15 feet, based on our current conditions.
- Reminder that burning debris is never allowed in municipalities.
Find help at Eblen Charities
Eblen Charities is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 23 Hamilton St., and the organization is providing gasoline vouchers, warm winter clothing, and other essential items like hygiene and cleaning supplies, menstrual products, and diapers during these hours. The team can also help with rent and mortgage assistance, medical needs, and other essential items. Currently, donations are not accepted.
Where to donate your warm clothing
Goodwill is accepting clothing donations and providing vouchers for those in need. Bounty & Soul is also accepting donations of warm clothing and blankets.
Tuesday, Oct. 15
New community care station open
The old K-Mart and new At Home store at 980 Brevard Rd. is now a community care station, offering access to potable and nonpotable water, showers, bathrooms, laundry services, Wi-Fi, and counseling.
Find the additional community care stations at:
- Ingles, 2299 US-70, Swannanoa
- AC Reynolds High School, 1 Rocket Dr., Asheville
- Morgan Hill Baptist Church, 594 Barnardsville Hwy., Weaverville
Spectrum update
County Manager Avril Pinder shared an update from Spectrum, saying that more than 236,000 customers across NC lost service during the height of Helene. Spectrum aims to restore service to all locations that are safely accessible and that have power by Saturday, Oct. 19.
Here in Buncombe County, 58% of customers have had service restored and 37,656 are still without. There was no update from AT&T or Verizon.
Duke Energy restoration update
As of Tuesday morning, about 3,200 Duke Energy customers in Buncombe County are without power. Duke Energy representative Bill Norton shared that not all outages are related to the storm — numbers increased when a car collided with a poll on Monday, affecting about 1,800 customers. Numbers are expected to decrease as work continues.
Water flows into downtown Asheville
As nonpotable water gets pumped into lines, downtown Asheville has begun to receive water. Additionally, water began being pumped in North Asheville on Tuesday morning, but service might not be immediate — although the main transmission line is functioning, some additional lines could be damaged. Restoration will continue westward.
Although the number of people without water service can’t be tracked remotely (like power service can), water resources spokesperson Clay Chandler said the number of customers without water “has dropped significantly within 48 hours.”
Reminder: The City of Asheville remains under a boil water notice. If you receive water from the City of Asheville, you must boil it vigorously for at least one minute before using it for cooking, brushing teeth, or drinking. It’s safe for showers, but avoid getting water in your mouth. Sponge baths are recommended for babies and small children.
Find steps to take before and after service is restored to clear out your water.
Fees waived for vaccinations
Buncombe County Health and Human Services has waived fees for flu, COVID, Tdap, and hepatitis A vaccines for adults. You can visit the county Health and Human Services department at 40 Coxe Ave.
Reporting fraud and scams
To report any instances of price gouging, fraudulent contractors, or scams involving disaster repair, you can call the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office hotline at (877) -5NO-SCAM.
Reminder: FEMA representatives will never ask you for money and will always wear an official government badge. If you suspect fraud, you can call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721.
Monday, Oct. 14 updates
The City of Asheville website has been redesigned to accommodate those who are still dealing with connectivity issues. You can view a simplified menu to find resources and services — or click to find the full site.
Some distribution sites will be relocated
The food and water distribution site at Lucy S. Herring Elementary School has been relocated to the parking lot of 980 Brevard Rd. (currently At Home and formerly K-Mart). It will open at 9 a.m. this morning, Oct. 15. Additional City of Asheville distribution sites will be relocated this week, as Asheville City Schools prepares to reopen.
Normal routes resume for trash and recycling
For Tuesday, Oct. 15, Waste Pro will run normal routes for household trash, and recycling will resume in accessible locations in Enka and Candler. Waste Pro will also have trucks located at A-B Tech Enka (1459 Sand Hill Rd., Candler) from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the household bagged trash only of residents it is not able to access.
- Separate storm-related debris at the curb according to material type: appliances, construction debris, household hazardous waste like pesticides and automotive fluid, vegetative debris, and electronics.
- There will be multiple trucks and passes, so you don’t have to place all debris out at one time.
- Do not block the road — and keep debris away from trees, fire hydrants, or trash carts.
News about storm debris
According to Asheville City Manager Debra Campbell, there are over 3 million cubic yards of storm debris within Asheville City limits (that’s about 140 football fields, stacked 10 feet high). A private contractor will work on storm-related debris pickup, and temporary debris sites are now being established where debris is staged, separated, and processed. City of Asheville staff have conducted door-to-door outreach to notify impacted residents about the temporary debris sites. This process will continue as new sites are brought online.
Fixed FEMA sites this week
This week, FEMA will be at fixed locations in the community. Starting today, Oct. 14 and through Wednesday, FEMA sites include:
- From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Black Mountain Ingles and Swannanoa Community Care Center Ingles Parking Lot.
- From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 572 Fletcher Martin Rd. in Asheville, Swannanoa Library, Food Lion in Fairview, EMMA Community Center, 1675 Barnardsville Hwy., New Bridge Baptist Church, Nesbitt Chapel Church, and 44 Broad River Rd. in Black Mountain.
- From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Pack Square Park and AC Reynolds High School
- From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Montford North Star Academy
The Disaster Recovery Center at AC Reynolds High School is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
An update on the internet
Spectrum’s initial outage was 78,000, and it is down this morning to 37,500 customers experiencing an outage. Buncombe County is working to have a Spectrum representative join a community briefing soon.
Curfew extended to another week
The curfew for the City of Asheville remains 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. this week. Asheville Police Department Chief Michael Lamb said that in the week after Hurricane Helene, emergency call volume increased by 40%. Last week, the increase dropped to 3%. The curfew will be reassessed as call volume returns to normal.
Progress made on power restoration
As of the morning of Monday, Oct. 14, 6,000 customers remain without power.
To find information from the news briefings from Monday, Oct. 7 to Sunday, Oct. 13, check out this article.
