Hurricane Information
Water
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City of Asheville - The main transmission lines from North Fork (a 24 inch and a 36 inch line) were washed out. A backup transmission line (24 inch) buried in excess of 40 feet was washed out. No estimate on when service will be restored.
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Woodfin - Woodfin water treatment plant is operational, but there are concerns about the transmission lines. The lines are being inspected. No estimate on when service will be restored.
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Weaverville - Low water pressure will be experienced. Boil water advisory. No estimate on when full service will be restored.
(Note: MSD remains fully operational.)
Permits
The Buncombe County Permits Office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Applications are accepted electronically at buncombecounty.org/permits. Special flood hazard area requirements may apply.
Power
Duke reporting that 170,000 are still without power in WNC (78,000 in Buncombe County). Hope to have 27,000 restored by tonight in Buncombe County and 69,000 by Sunday night. There will be around 105,000 customers which will be left without power for months due to the nature of accessibility of property. Extreme damage and destruction to many substations and transmission lines. For example, the substation in Biltmore Village was completely submerged/destroyed and will need to be replaced (a 3-4 month process). Duke delivered a mobile substation unit to Biltmore Village which will power the area until a new substation can be built.
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Buncombe County Hurricane Helene Updates: New Call Center, Donation Center & Town of Woodfin and Biltmore Forest Updates
Buncombe County has activated the One Buncombe Call Center for residents to report storm damage, access resources, and find storm-related information by calling 828-250-6100. The call center will operate seven days a week.
In Buncombe County, 72 lives have been lost due to Hurricane Helene.
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Solid Waste Services
Waste Pro is resuming limited service in Weaverville on Friday where safe and accessible. Residents can drop off household trash (no storm debris) at North Buncombe Pool, 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Buncombe County Landfill will be open Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Hazardous Materials
Residents are advised to avoid river areas due to debris. The County has requested testing for hazardous materials through the state emergency operations center.
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Donation Center
We have set up a warehouse at 6 Commerce Way in Arden to receive hurricane relief supplies. We can receive donations from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. daily. Any size vehicle is welcome.
Accepting: Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food, bottled water, clean-up supplies, paper goods (toilet paper, etc.), baby supplies, personal care items.
Not accepting... baby food, glass items, furniture, clothing, perishable food, electronics, and flammable liquids. We will not distribute from this location – these donations will go to community partners to distribute, so please do not come here to receive supplies.
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Town of Woodfin Updates
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Trash and recycling collection will start on Friday.
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There is no current definitive timeline for when water can be restored at Woodfin.
Town of Biltmore Forest Updates
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Hurricane Helene brought down a large number of trees at Biltmore Forest, which is a primary residential area. This was the main source of destruction for this community.
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All roads are currently accessible for emergency crews.
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The water system will require repairs once water systems are restored. ​
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Wi-Fi Access
Free Wi-Fi is available at the North Asheville Library use the password “readmore” lowercase, no space. Other libraries include Pack Memorial, Enka-Candler and West Asheville.
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Pet Care
MedVet Asheville, an emergency and specialty veterinary hospital, will be opening starting tomorrow Friday, Oct. 4 from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. and will be open those hours every day. They are located at 677 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
Please consider donating to the Hurricane Helene Relief Fund.
WNC has been decimated by Hurricane Helene.
The funds raised will go to support our communities and residents rebuild and recover! WNC is strong and we WILL rebuild!
For additional support resources, visit the Hurricane Helene Asheville Response page.