ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — State and local officials are preparing for a significant winter storm expected to bring snow, ice and dangerously cold temperatures to the Asheville area and Buncombe County this weekend, raising concerns about hazardous travel and potential power outages.
Gov. Josh Stein has declared a state of emergency and activated the State Emergency Response Team as the storm moves across North Carolina. Forecasters warn that winter weather impacts could include icy roads, snow accumulation, downed trees and power outages, particularly overnight and during early morning hours when temperatures are lowest.
Transportation and emergency management officials are urging residents and visitors to limit travel if possible and to closely monitor conditions throughout the weekend. Weather conditions in the mountains and foothills can change rapidly, and even light ice on bridges and shaded roadways can create dangerous driving conditions, officials said.
Buncombe County has established a non-emergency line for community reports such as downed trees, debris or concerns about power lines. Residents can call 828-250-6650. Authorities emphasized that 911 should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies.
Several area hotels have indicated they are able to accommodate local residents during the winter weather event, with some offering local or snow rates. Guests are encouraged to call hotels directly for availability, and proof of residency may be required at check-in.
Hotels currently welcoming local residents include:
- AC Hotel Asheville — Biltmore Village: 828-277-0026
- Aloft Asheville Downtown: 828-232-2838
- Bent Creek Lodge: 828-654-9040
- Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville: 828-348-4850
- Clarion Inn Biltmore Village: 828-673-8573
- Comfort Suites Outlet Center: 828-665-4000
- Country Inn & Suites Asheville Downtown Tunnel Road: 828-254-4311
- Courtyard by Marriott Asheville — Biltmore Village: 828-782-5000
- Courtyard by Marriott Asheville — Airport: 828-684-5000
- DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville — Biltmore: 828-274-1800
- DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown: 828-505-8500
- Element Asheville Downtown: 828-575-5881
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown: 828-407-0422
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Asheville Tunnel Road: 828-274-2001
- Grand Bohemian Lodge Asheville: 828-505-2949
- Hampton Inn & Suites — Biltmore Area: 828-575-9593
- Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville — Biltmore Village: 828-277-1800
- Hampton Inn Asheville — Tunnel Road: 828-255-9220
- Hilton Garden Inn Asheville South: 828-633-6024
- Holiday Inn Asheville — Biltmore West: 828-665-2161
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown: 1-888-465-4329
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville SW: 1-888-465-4329
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Asheville Airport: 828-676-1776
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Asheville: 828-252-5400
- Log Cabin Motor Court: 828-645-6546
- Moxy Hotel: 828-949-0179
- Residence Inn Biltmore: 828-281-3361
- The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton: 828-552-8545
- WoodSpring Suites Asheville Biltmore West: 828-418-1400
That list will be updated here.
Officials recommend residents stay informed through local government updates, the National Weather Service and utility outage maps and to use real-time traffic resources to check road conditions as the storm develops.
