Buncombe County Winter Weather Community Briefing | Jan. 22, 2026

Buncombe County Prepares for Impending Winter Storm: Community Briefing Recap

On January 22, 2026, Buncombe County held a community briefing to inform residents about an approaching winter storm expected to significantly impact the region starting Saturday, January 25th and lasting through Monday afternoon. The briefing, attended by county officials, representatives from the City of Asheville, Duke Energy, North Carolina Highway Patrol, and various community partners, focused on outlining the storm's potential impacts, detailing planned responses, and providing residents with crucial preparedness information.

A primary concern highlighted throughout the meeting was the evolving forecast, which now indicates a higher probability of ice accumulation than initially predicted. Officials emphasized that this could lead to hazardous driving conditions, potential power outages (particularly with up to an inch of ice expected in some areas), and dangerously cold temperatures extending into next week. Special attention was given to vulnerable populations, including those still recovering from the recent storm (Helene) and residing in temporary or precarious housing.

Several key decisions were made during the briefing. Governor John Stein has already declared a state of emergency, and Buncombe County is currently considering mirroring this action locally to facilitate coordination with North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT) crews responsible for maintaining roads outside municipal limits. The county is also coordinating with the American Red Cross to establish up to three geographically dispersed shelters/warming stations, though locations have not yet been released. County operations (libraries, parks, landfill) will be adjusted, with details to be announced Friday.

The discussion encompassed a wide range of preparedness measures. The City of Asheville has activated its Emergency Operations Plan and will operate public works crews 24/7 over the weekend, urging residents to refrain from parking on streets after Friday at 5:00 PM to ensure efficient snow removal. Duke Energy is bolstering its workforce with crews from out-of-state utilities and encouraging customers to report outages promptly. The Highway Patrol strongly advised residents to limit travel, emphasizing the importance of having a vehicle emergency kit and utilizing DriveNC.gov for real-time road conditions. Fire safety was also a key topic, with residents urged to use portable heaters and generators safely (outdoors only) and install carbon monoxide detectors.

While there was no direct public comment during the briefing, officials acknowledged resources available to residents experiencing stress or emotional fatigue, promoting the Hope for NC Helpline (1-855-587-3463). The “Explore Asheville” organization also highlighted lodging partners with vacancies that could accommodate residents in emergency situations, a list available on exploreashville.com.

Looking ahead, the most immediate action item is for residents to prepare their homes and vehicles for potentially hazardous conditions. County Manager Pinder urged, "The time to prepare is now." A follow-up community briefing is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 AM, providing an opportunity to receive updated information and address any remaining concerns. Residents are encouraged to visit the Buncombe County Ready website (https://www.buncomready.org/) for comprehensive preparedness information and to stay informed about the evolving situation. This briefing underscored a commitment from county leadership, as stated by DK Wesley, "We are committed to clear communication, rapid response, and making decisions that prioritize safety across our community." By taking proactive steps, residents can help mitigate the potential impacts of this winter storm and ensure their safety and well-being.