Information from the CITY of ASHEVILLE (1/21/2016) — City departments are implementing plans set in place days ago to respond to the snow storm entering the region.
Citizens are advised to keep informed by monitoring local media for updated information. Also find frequent updateson the City of Asheville website.
Roads and Snow Removal
Public works crews began checking and treating roads yesterday and that process is ongoing in response to the Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service and the State of Emergency declared by Gov. Pat McCrory. The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Sunday, with as much as 10 inches of accumulation forecast for the Asheville area.
Public works crews will continue to provide 24-hour service. “Our Public Works trucks pull double duty during snow events. We outfit our regular trucks with snow removal plows,” said Public Works Director Greg Shuler.
The City has 25 vehicles prepped for snow removal singulair drug. Currently, trucks are pretreating main corridors with a liquid salt brine. Trucks will apply solid salt and sand and plow streets once the winter storm moves in and progresses. Citizens can learn about any street designation through the City’s Snowmapper site. Priority is given to streets that serve as main thoroughfares for emergency response.
REMINDER: Please clear sidewalks in front of your business. It is important for pedestrian safety!
Public Safety: Police, Fire, Emergency Response
All public safety services, including police, fire and emergency response, will operate on normal schedule – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In the event of an emergency, citizens are urged to call 9-1-1.
Residents are asked to call 828-251-1122 to report downed trees.
Water Utility, Frozen Pipes, and Downed Power Lines
Water Utility services will continue on a 24-hour production schedule. Customers can call the customer service line at828-251-1122 to report water-related emergencies, leaks, breaks and no water calls.
If you believe a water meter is frozen, contact the Water Department at 828-251-1122. Pipes and plumbing on the house side of the meter are considered private, and are the customer’s responsibility.
Downed power lines are dangerous and should be reported to 911. Power outages can be reported to Duke Energy Progress by calling the toll-free, automated outage reporting system at 1-800-419-6356. Spanish speaking customers should call 1-866-4APAGON (427-2466) for outage reporting assistance. For those with access to the internet, outages can be reported by clicking https://www.progress-energy.com/app/OutageEntry/default.aspx. For information regarding the outage restoration process, visit http://www.duke-energy.com/north-carolina/outages/restoration.asp.
Street Parking
The City urges citizens to remove their cars from streets to facilitate efficient snow plowing. As an alternative, the City offers drivers the free use of City parking garages and lots Friday through Sunday. Also, residents are discouraged from unnecessary travel.
Asheville Redefines Transit (ART) Bus Service
In anticipation of deteriorating road conditions, Asheville Redefines Transit (ART) bus service will close earlier than usual tonight. The last bus will leave the ART station at 10 p.m. On Friday, ART bus service will be suspended untilnoon. The City will provide regular ART routes updates early Friday on the City of Asheville website, and on the City’s social media channels, facebook.com/cityofasheville and www.twitter.com/cityofasheville. It is anticipated that ART will run limited bus routes during the winter storm. Routes may be modified, depending on which streets have been cleared. Riders should expect delays and are advised to visit ART’s next bus and or dial 828-253-5691 and press #5 for updated arrival times. Visit www.ashevilletransit.com or call 253-5691 for updated transit information.
City Offices
City facility closings will be announced and posted to the City’s website by 8 a.m., if snow warrants.
CODE PURPLE: Shelters for Homeless Extend Hours
Asheville area shelters are operating under a CODE PURPLE. Persons experiencing homelessness will have the opportunity to come inside and warm up during the day, even if a shelter would typically be closed. Extra floor, cot, and bed space will be available at overnight shelters to ensure that no one has to stay outside. Shelters are encouraging emergency workers and police to urge people outside at night to come inside.
Events Rescheduled at US Cellular Center
The US Cellular Center has announced that both the Winter Warmer Beer Festival and the Jackson Browne concert scheduled for this weekend have been postponed. Please check www.USCellularCenterAsheville.com for updated dates and times.
The original press release can be found on Asheville City Source, http://coablog.ashevillenc.gov/2016/01/city-of-asheville-initiates-response-to-snow-storm.
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