TROPICAL STORM HELENE UPDATES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2024
The following message includes updates for Halloween safety, the current State of Emergency, a continuing boil water notice, and debris removal.
The Town encourages all families who may trick-or-treat tomorrow night to exercise extraordinary caution and understand you are doing so at your own risk. Please remember cables or utility lines may be in the roadway, there are stumps and debris on road shoulders, and there may be holes in yards, driveways, or walkways from trees being uprooted. Please use high intensity flashlights, wear bright or reflective clothing, and walk in large groups. The Town will not close any roads for trick-or-treating but will be conducting routine patrols. We have requested all tree removal and construction companies, including the Town’s debris removal contractor, to cease activities by 4:30pm tomorrow to have roads be as free from heavy machinery and construction activities as possible. The Town, other municipalities, and County have put together a short video with Halloween safety tips that may be accessed here.
The Town remains under a State of Emergency, including a full burn ban. This includes burning debris and the use of outdoor fire pits. The Town remains under a boil water notice due to the potential for contaminants in the water system. A full explanation of this boil water notice is available at this link.
Please remember to check the Town’s website for a daily update on our debris removal efforts. As of 3pm today, the Town has removed 82,000 cubic yards of debris and has now begun chipping the material on site. This project page includes photos, videos, timeline of debris removal efforts, and an FAQ sheet related to the process. The project page may be found at this link.
Thanks for your cooperation as the Town continues to recover from the storm.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2024
The Town has created a robust debris management site for residents to view information related to the removal and monitoring process in town. Please check this link for up to date and complete information.
Friday, October 25, 2024
Halloween
The Town’s debris contractor has removed significant amounts from the right of way. Many streets are now more accessible than earlier in the week. The Town realizes many children & families may still trick-or-treat door to door on Halloween as roads become clearer.
If you and your family choose to trick or treat, please use extraordinary caution and understand you are doing so at your own risk due to the State of Emergency and significant amounts of recovery underway in Biltmore Forest. Please be advised cables or utility lines may remain in the roadway, there are stumps and debris on the road shoulders, and there may be holes in yards, driveways, or walkways from trees being uprooted. Please use high intensity flashlights, wear bright or reflective clothing, and walk in large groups. The Town will not close any roads for trick-or-treating but will be conducting routine patrols. A State of Emergency, including a full burn ban, remains in place. This burn ban applies to fire pits.
The previously announced “trunk or treat” at Carolina Day School has been cancelled. Thank you to those who donated candy and volunteered to assist. The candy will still be provided to children on Halloween, and we extend our thanks to Carolina Day School for their willingness to partner with the Town.
Water Updates
The Town remains under a boil water notice requiring individuals to boil water prior to consumption. For more detailed information on this boil water notice, please visit the Town’s website. Voluntary water conservation measures have been lifted and you are free to use water as you typically would.
Why Are We Under a Boil Water Notice?
The Town of Biltmore Forest purchases all of its water from the City of Asheville. We provide no additional treatment to the water and are only responsible for its distribution to our residents.
Fortunately, the Town of Biltmore Forest distribution system did not sustain any significant damage, but it did lose system pressure after the hurricane like all City of Asheville water system users. This system-wide loss of pressure can cause uncontrolled backflow conditions introducing possible contamination of the system. While our testing did not identify any contamination, it is possible that it occurred.
Additionally, the Bee Tree and North Fork reservoirs (the primary water sources) continue to have extreme amounts of sediment which has forced the City to bypass their water filters resulting in the distribution of unfiltered (non-potable) water to its users. This is a legitimate and serious public health concern necessitating the continuation of the boil water notice.
While it is true that the City does have another intake and treatment facility on the Mills River that primarily serves the southern portion of the County, there are no guarantees that the Town of Biltmore Forest only receives water from that plant. We continue to perform our required water monitoring tests, which have all passed, but there is an ongoing risk of residents receiving inadequately treated or contaminated drinking water.
This is why all users of City of Asheville water (including Biltmore Forest, as a bulk reseller) remain under a mandatory Boil Water Notice. We anticipate this notice to continue until the City, NCDENR, and the EPA determine the water is safe for consumption and the boil water notice can be lifted.
Telecommunications Update
As of Friday at 2pm, there is no further update from Spectrum or AT&T. We were originally told Spectrum would restore all customers by yesterday but that has not occurred. We continue to request updates from each entity daily.
Debris Removal
Through Friday, October 25, the debris contractor has removed 56,000 cubic yards of vegetation in 12 days. The last estimate for the Town was 340,000 cubic yards. Twelve trucks are currently working alongside hazard tree cutting crews. Please continue to be exceptionally careful when walking or driving near these operations.
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
This is a message from the Town of Biltmore Forest. Please stay tuned for important information regarding Halloween, continued debris removal efforts, election information, and updates from Spectrum and AT&T.
The Town’s debris contractor is continuing to remove debris from road shoulders in the Town. This will continue to be a long process and there is no need to rush to get everything to the roadside at one time. Please continue to be cautious when near these operations. To date, the Town has removed just over 43,000 cubic yards of debris.
Voting on Election Day in the general election WILL TAKE PLACE at Biltmore Forest Town Hall as usual. Polls will be open at 6:30am and close at 7:30pm on November 5.
As of today, Spectrum has restored service to 50% of the main lines in Biltmore Forest. AT&T has not provided an estimate on restoration but tree crews are in town. Once main lines are restored, it is possible that service to individual homes will still be impacted. If this is the case, you will need to call the telecommunications provider directly for them to restore service.
Monday October 21, 2024
We remain under an active state of emergency with a curfew from 11pm-6am and burning ban in place. We will alert you when these measures are lifted. The Town remains under a boil water notice requiring that you boil water vigorously for at least one minute prior to consumption.
Spectrum crews are working diligently in Biltmore Forest, and we are hopeful that cable restoration occurs this week. We do not have an update from AT&T at this point.
As the Town’s debris contractor is working, please continue to exercise extreme caution around these vehicles and avoid walking or biking on streets where removal operations are underway. Again, we want to emphasize that there is no current end date for this work – DO NOT rush to have your debris brought to the road edge.
As a reminder, the November 5 general election WILL STILL BE HELD AT THE TOWN HALL on Election Day. Early voting is underway at sites across the county and you can find that information at buncombecounty.org/vote.
Thursday, October 17th
Townwide Debris Removal
The Town’s debris contractor is working quickly and efficiently throughout the Town. There are a total of seven trucks, with double capacity trailers, transporting material to our temporary disposal site off Vanderbilt Road. In an effort to ensure public safety, we ask everyone to be exceptionally cautious when walking, bicycling, or driving in and around these vehicles. These are dangerous operations and a log or piece of wood that is being picked up can potentially fall out of the truck or off the grapple hook causing serious damage or death to someone if they were hit. Please exercise caution around these trucks.
The contractor will be working for the next several weeks removing debris. You will have time to bring material down to the road edge for removal and we ask that you continue to move debris such that it does not interfere with hydrants, water meters, or other utilities. If a private contractor is assisting your cleanup, please ensure material is placed on your property and not a neighbor or public property, unless you have been given explicit permission.
As of today, our contractor has removed 22,000 cubic yards in 5 days. The Town’s most recent estimate showed the potential for 340,000 cubic yards of vegetative material to be disposed. This is the equivalent of 3 ½ football fields that are nearly 60 feet deep in debris. This will not be a short-term process, and we appreciate your patience and assistance to have this done correctly.
Water
The Town remains under a boil water notice. This is due to the City of Asheville’s work to get the North Fork Reservoir back online and the potential for contaminants to be in the system as full pressure is restored. Continue to boil water vigorously for at least one minute prior to consumption.
Power Restoration
Duke Energy fully restored power to Biltmore Forest on Sunday afternoon. Some individual residences may have issues that require repair prior to power being turned back on, but the system-wide repair is complete.
Telecommunications
Cellular networks continue to experience fluctuations but for the most part is in good working order. The Town has continued to press AT&T and Spectrum for restoration times more specific to Biltmore Forest, but unfortunately, we do not have those at this point. We will continue to have the Town Hall open for resident internet usage between the hours of 8am-6pm each day until the majority of Town is restored.
State of Emergency Updates
The Town remains in a State of Emergency with a curfew in place between the hours of 11pm and 6am. A full burn ban also remains in place due to dried vegetation and scarcity of water resources.
General Election & Early Voting Information
The Town will hold regular voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5) at the Town Hall as in all previous years. Early voting has begun in North Carolina, and you can find a complete list of early voting sites at buncombecounty.org
We thank you for your patience, understanding, and resilience as we all strive to come back stronger than we were three weeks ago. Take care.
Wednesday, October 16th
The Town remains under a State of Emergency due to the after effects of Hurricane Helene. The curfew remains in place but hours are reduced effective today, October 16. The new curfew hours are 11pm-6am. A mandatory burning ban remains in effect for the Town due to the substantial dried, vegetative debris that is widespread and water supply issues.
The Town remains under a BOIL WATER NOTICE per the City of Asheville. While most in Biltmore Forest have water, it is imperative that you continue to boil vigorously for one minute prior to consumption.
Debris removal is underway and will continue for the foreseeable future. Please note, this is NOT like routine brush pickup. There is no set schedule, so please just bring brush to the road edge as you are able. Please remember to identify hydrants, water meters, and utility structures and DO NOT place your debris in these areas.
Regular trash pickup is going well. Recycling is scheduled to resume next Monday, 10/21 on Route B. Route A pickup will resume on Monday, 10/28.
The latest update from Spectrum indicates service restoration by Saturday, October 19 for most customers in Buncombe County.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding while we navigate recovery.
Friday, October 11 – 4pm Update
State of Emergency
The Town remains in a state of emergency with multiple measures being taken to ensure public health and safety. A curfew, from 7:30PM to 7:30AM, remains in effect due to the power outages and storm debris in town. A full burning ban remains in effect due to dried vegetative debris and water supply concerns.
Power Restoration
Duke Energy is working tirelessly to restore electricity to all town residents. We are hopeful this will occur by the end of the weekend.
AT&T and Spectrum Service
Both AT&T and Spectrum are working in town. We do not have official restoration times for either service at this point, but both utilities are working diligently to reconstruct service.
Traveling within Town
Please be mindful when traveling within Town as there are multiple utility companies working and debris on road edge. This is true for drivers, bicyclists, and walkers. Be aware and cautious throughout the Town.
Trash Pickup
Please remember that trash pickup will occur on a regular scheduled Monday. Recycling pickup will resume on Monday, 10/21.
Debris Removal
The disposal site road is complete, and work is being finalized on the disposal site itself. Debris removal should begin this weekend. The Town’s contractor will make multiple passes through town over the next several months until all storm debris is taken.
Water
Water remains available in Biltmore Forest but we are under a boil water advisory. Please boil vigorously for one minute before consuming. Water is safe for dishwashing and washing hands. Restrict water usage to minimal amounts to ensure the supply for all.
Town Hall Operations
The Town Hall will be open over the weekend from 8am-6pm for charging and using wifi. Please be mindful of others who need to use these services as well.
Thursday, October 10th – 4pm Update
State of Emergency
The Town remains in a state of emergency with multiple measures being taken to ensure public health and safety. A curfew, from 7:30PM to 7:30AM, remains in effect due to the power outages and storm debris in town. A full burning ban remains in effect due to dried vegetative debris and water supply concerns.
Power Restoration
Duke Energy has dramatically increased their presence in Biltmore Forest. There are now approximately 75 utility workers on site making progress in power restoration. Road closures may pop up during the day where Duke crews are working and we ask that you exercise patience and understanding during these times.
Trash Pickup
Trash pickup went well and we will continue normal service next Monday. We anticipate resuming recycling service on Monday, October 21. If you would like to drop off recyclables prior to that, you may take it directly to Curbside Management 116 Woodfin Ave, Woodfin, NC 28804.
Debris Removal
The road into the disposal site is nearly complete and work is being finalized on the disposal site itself. We are hopeful that debris removal pickup will begin this weekend. Please do not rush to get debris to the street edge. The Town’s contractor will make multiple passes through town over the next several months until all storm debris is taken.
Please remember, if private tree companies are working on your property, they should not place debris on top of a hydrant, water meter, or where a power pole once stood. This will slow the power restoration efforts.
Water
Water remains available in Biltmore Forest but we are under a boil water advisory. Please remember to boil vigorously for one minute before consuming. Water is safe for dishwashing and washing hands. Please continue to restrict water usage to minimal amounts to ensure the supply for all.
Town Hall Operations
The Town Hall will be open from 7am-7pm for charging and using wifi. Please be mindful of others who need to use these services as well.
There is currently a Declared State of Emergency in effect for all of Buncombe County, including Biltmore Forest. Under this declaration, the Town is prohibiting activities that may pose a threat to public health or safety. The following actions are currently in place for the Town until further notice.
• A curfew is in effect until 7:30pm until 7:30am. This will be rescinded once power is restored to the entire Town.
• Effective immediately, there is also a full burn ban in place for the Town. This includes burning debris and fire pit usage. This is due to the vast amounts of dried vegetative debris and scarcity of water in Town. This full burn ban is in place until further notice.
• Temperatures are expected to be low this week and through the next week. Please take the following actions to ensure your safety and safety of others until power is full restored.
o Please have your wood burning fireplace inspected before use.
o Never use a generator or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
o Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.
o When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.
o Never run a generator any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.
o Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home.
o Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
Power Restoration Safety Tips
As power comes back, please make sure that you have not placed anything on a stove that may be flammable. Oftentimes, people forget to turn off appliances that were on when the power went out. As we are thirteen days into this incident, it is possible these appliances will come back on as soon as power is restored.
It is a good practice to have all breakers turned off to your home even as power is being restored. Once you are aware that power is back on, then turn back the breakers back on to the house.
Tuesday, October 8 – 4pm Update
Power Restoration
Duke Energy is making steady progress. We anticipate several areas coming back online within the next several days and will be working with Duke to ensure restoration as quickly as possible in other areas.
Trash Pickup
Trash pickup continues to be on regular schedule. We removed the recycling containers from the Ingles parking lot due to solid waste being thrown in the recycling containers and on the ground. Recycling service will not resume until further notice.
Debris Removal
The Town received the permit for the temporary vegetative disposal site off Vanderbilt Rd. Work is underway to provide access to this location. The Town’s debris removal contractor, Southern Disaster Recovery, is likely to begin work by the end of this week.
If private tree companies are working on your property, please make sure no debris is placed on top of a hydrant, water meter, or where a power pole once stood or still stands. This impedes the recovery of these utilities.
Water
Water remains available in Biltmore Forest. For those who have water, please remember to boil before consuming. Water is safe for dishwashing and washing hands.
Water Distribution Sites
The Town continues to partner with Carolina Day School for a water distribution site at 1345 Hendersonville Road. This site has also provided donated items for those in need.
Town Hall Operations
The Town Hall has remained open for those needing to charge devices and use the internet. We have not yet resumed normal activities and are continuing to conduct emergency operations out of these facilities. Please help us by being mindful of those working, and stay at Town Hall for only as long as necessary to conduct business. This will allow more people time to use these services.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7th, 2024-3PM UPDATE
Power
Duke got the majority of underground served customers back on last night. This includes the bulk of the area south of the Biltmore Forest Country Club. Duke is going to work on back lines beginning tomorrow morning. This is going to be the largest issue for getting everything back online. We do not have an estimated restoration time, but I am hopeful the town will be back online by the end of this week or the weekend. This is going to solely depend on how quickly the crews can get overhead lines back up in the heavy, vegetative areas. Possibly, the area along Stuyvesant Road/Browntown Road will be back online by Wednesday.
Water
There is no change in the current status of water. Most residents have water in the Town but the Town and anyone with water remains under a Boil Water Advisory (BWA). We are going to continue messaging this to the public that there is water, it should be conserved, and it needs to be boiled before being consumed.
Water Distribution Sites
The Town continues to partner with Carolina Day School for water distribution at their facility at 1345 Hendersonville Road. We have made an official request of Buncombe County EOC to get water shipments to this location. All previously water distributed has been provided by volunteers, mostly from outside the region. This takes place from 12-4 each day.
Trash Pickup
Trash pickup resumed today and, as of now, seems to be moving well. We asked Curbside Management to come and retrieve the two recycling containers at Ingles because they were overrun with trash nearly immediately. We will not be conducting recycling pickup for the foreseeable future.
Spectrum/AT&T/Verizon
Not much information from these utilities on internet restoration. It is highly likely these will follow behind the power crews where they are on the same pole. For the south end of town, that restoration work should be undertaken by AT&T and they are aware of this, but there is no timeline yet.
Cellular coverage is improving each day. Verizon had a team of approximately 10 people here today, mostly from Oregon, who were working at the cell tower site behind Public Works.
Debris Removal
The Town began cutting the road for our debris removal site today. Tennoca was hired by Southern Disaster Recovery to perform this work and hopes to have the road and staging area set by Wednesday. We are hopeful debris removal will commence then.
Law Enforcement Presence
The Town has worked diligently to ensure we have continued law enforcement presence overnight. With power outages in large swaths of town, we have done this to ensure that our resources are not stretched too thin if something occurs and to make sure that this presence is seen/felt.. We had officers from WakeMED PD and Pineville PD through yesterday and anticipate having officers from New Hanover County Sherriff’s Office and High Point PD as well.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2024- 3PM UPDATE
Please remember that trash pickup will resume on a regular schedule tomorrow. Have cans accessible for the driver.
All town meetings are cancelled at this time. The “Meet the Candidate” event scheduled for Wednesday, October 9th has also been canceled.
We do not have an update from Duke Energy on power restoration. Please continue to remain patient while Duke assesses damage and works in the Town.
Residents with water should continue to boil water vigorously for one minute prior to consumption.
We continue to appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we move forward. Thank you.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024 - 3PM UPDATE
The City of Asheville has provided an update on water restoration efforts throughout the area. Most residences in Biltmore Forest currently have water being fed by the Mills River plant to the Town's water lines. A boil water advisory remains in effect for all water used for drinking, eating, or consuming - please vigorously boil water for one minute prior to use. The Town will let you know when the boil water advisory is lifted.
The Town will resume regular trash pickup on Monday, October 7. We will use the same schedule as previously, so if your trash is picked up on Monday, it will be picked up this Monday. You can help us by making sure your trash cans are accessible for our drivers. If there are trees blocking the drive, please try to get the trash to a location where we can retrieve it.
There will be no recycling pickup until further notice. We have partnered with Ingles to place two roll out containers on the far right side of the Ingles parking lot in the South Forest Center across from Busbee Road. These containers will accept cardboard and mixed recyclables.
The Town has lifted the working hour restrictions and contractors are allowed to work on Sundays and from sunrise until sunset. This restriction will be lifted until further notice.
The Town is continuing to offer water and other basic necessities for residents in conjunction with volunteers from Carolina Day School. This location is at 1345 Hendersonville Road.
Please continue to exercise patience during clean up and while power restoration efforts are underway. When we have a confirmed time for restoration, we will let you know.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024 - 5PM UPDATE
Regular trash routes will resume next week. Place the can where the driver can get it. There will be no recycling pickup until further notice. Recycling containers are available in the Ingles parking lot across Busbee Road.
The Town hopes to begin debris removal the end of next week. Please place debris at the road edge BUT NOT in the road. This will be an ongoing process and all debris brought to the road will be taken.
Continue to ask tree contractors for insurance & get estimates upfront. Obtain more than one quote. DO NOT PAY UPFRONT.
There is no official estimate on power restoration. When provided, we will let residents know.
Water seems to be back throughout the Town in most places. Please continue to boil water vigorously for one minute until further notice.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2024 UPDATE
This is a 10am update from the Town. Please pay attention to the following information.
Trash and Recycling
This afternoon, the Town will distribute information via CodeRED and our website regarding central trash collection points within Town. This will be sent out no later than 5pm. We are working with Curbside Management and Ingles to establish two roll-off recycling containers at Ingles across from Busbee Rd in Biltmore Forest. These should be available beginning Monday as well, and will be for cardboard and mixed recyclables. PLEASE DO NOT BRING CARDBORAD TO THE TRASH COLLECTION SITE NEXT WEEK.
Debris Removal
The Town is working with Biltmore to establish our debris removal site this weekend. A road into the site will be constructed and we will then be able to begin removing material from the public right of way. Please continue to place debris at the curb/road edge but not within the roadway. This removal will begin as soon as we receive permit approval from the State and the roadway is constructed.
Water Service
Some places in Biltmore Forest DO have water service. For those that do, please continue to boil water and conserve. For those who do not, we do not have any firm timeline on restoration from the City. Town Public Works staff are chasing water leaks today and cutting off meters to ensure that water pressure and service remains available for those with water, and to help get the water further north into town.
Power Service
We do not have a definitive timeline from Duke Energy for power restoration in Biltmore Forest. Duke crews began working yesterday around the Town Hall to restore the 3-phase connection into the north part of town and will continue working through the weekend and until service is restored. If a timeline is provided to the Town, we will send that out.
Cellular Coverage and Cable/Phone Coverage
Cellular coverage is coming back throughout the Town and tower crews are working at Biltmore Forest’s cell tower today to help restore service here. We have no update from Spectrum or AT&T about restoration for the Town otherwise.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2024 UPDATE
This is a 4pm update from the Town of Biltmore Forest. We are continuing to push ahead, and each day brings more progress. There are several important areas with information below.
Roads
Nearly every Town street is passable and those that are not will be by the end of the day. The Town will begin repairs on the damaged portion of Cedar Hill Road tomorrow. Beginning tomorrow, Cedar Hill Road will be closed until further notice between Hemlock and Brookside Roads. Residents who typically travel this direction should utilize Brooklawn Chase to Brookside Road as an alternate route. Again, we urge people to not leave vehicles unattended in the roadway at any time.
Debris Removal
The Town has contracted with Southern Disaster Recovery for our debris removal project. The Town must follow specific guidelines for this work. We are currently identifying a temporary debris management site. Once confirmed, we will be able to begin debris removal from the Town. This will be a months long process. Please be patient. If you have tree removal companies removing debris for you, they MAY place it on the roadside BUT CANNOT place it in the road. If the Town’s contractor can reach it from the road, it will be taken – if they cannot, it will not be taken. This is in accordance with FEMA guidelines and will ensure reimbursement for the Town. The graphic shown in this email is a good primer for where debris must be placed.
Trash and Construction Debris
The Town will begin a centralized trash collection system next Monday. Several central locations will be provided in the Town where you can bring your trash and the Town will put it directly into the truck. WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BEGIN REGULAR TRASH COLLECTION FOR SOME TIME. Again, we ask for your patience while we work through this. YOU MAY NOT PLACE CONSTRUCTION DEBRIS OF ANY TYPE IN YOUR TRASH. There will be specialized construction debris removal as part of the debris management work.
Recycling
Contrary to an earlier message, Curbside Management recycling IS operational. We are working with them to determine a manner for recycling over the next several months. We hope to have this confirmed by the end of the week.
Water
We are aware that some homes have water within the Town. If your home has water, please use sparingly and continue to boil the water before drinking and be prepared for this supply to be intermittent or limited. For those without water, the City of Asheville is working with government and private contractors to begin restoration from the North Fork Reservoir. This is going to take a substantial amount of time. As soon as we have an estimated restoration time, we will provide you with that information.
Water Distribution Site
The Town began a water distribution site in coordination with Carolina Day School today. We will continue to do this tomorrow as well from 12pm-4pm. Water will be provided to people as long as there are supplies. We are so thankful to those who have donated directly to the Town and allowed us to open this water station. There are additional, limited supplies available at Carolina Day School as well. The address for this water distribution site is 1345 Hendersonville Road.
If you wish to donate supplies or have others bringing supplies for distribution, please have them go DIRECTLY to Carolina Day School at 1345 Hendersonville Road between the hours of 12 and 4pm.
Power
We still do not have an estimate on power restoration from Duke Energy that is specific to Biltmore Forest. A representative from Duke did participate in the Town’s drone damage assessment review yesterday. We will provide that estimate as soon as we have one.
Cellular Service and Wireless Connectivity
Cellular service continues to be spotty in most places. AT&T seems to be returning more quickly than Verizon. We do not have any update from the cell companies regarding these restorations. The Town had a generous volunteer provide a Star Link system that is available for use at the Town Hall from 7am-7pm. We simply ask that people not linger so that others may get access to the wireless coverage as well and to keep vehicles from parking at the Town Hall and impeding emergency traffic. There are hot spot locations being opened up all throughout Buncombe County, and a link to those may be found here.
I very much appreciate the patience and support of so many during this time. We are continuing to make significant progress each day.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 UPDATE
5:00 PM Update:
The Town has a water distribution site set up at Carolina Day School, located at 1345 Hendersonville Road. The site will open tomorrow from 10am-5pm or until water runs out. You will receive two bottles of water per person. We cannot have vehicles or pedestrians impede the limited road access. Nearly all roads in town are now passable. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE VEHICLES UNATTENDED IN THE ROAD. THE TOWN DOES NOT HAVE ANY CONTRACT WITH OUTSIDE TREE REMOVAL SPECIALISTS. When approached by a tree cutter, ask for a proof of insurance & a quote. Do not make a quick decision. Finally, Town Hall will be open for charging devices again tomorrow from 8am-7pm.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 UPDATE
1:30 PM Update:
The Town has opened a water distribution site in conjunction with Carolina Day School. The location is 1345 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Access off US-25/Hendersonville Road into the parking lot and turn left into the lower parking lot. The distribution site will be open until 5pm today or until there are no supplies left. We hope to open tomorrow at 10am if there is water supply remaining. Thank you.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024 UPDATE
9AM Update:
Crews are working this morning to open remaining roads within the Town. Bottled water is available at the Town Hall for those who need water – we ask you limit it to 2 bottles per person at this time. We are continuing welfare checks for residents as those come in via our online form system at the Town’s website.
There will be no trash pickup this week. The transfer station is destroyed and no longer there. The landfill IS open but access is currently difficult. We know it is difficult to hold trash particularly in the forested area with bears. Please try to contain your trash inside right now if possible. We will have a substantial update this week on further plans. The recycling center in Woodfin was also destroyed so there is no need to worry about separating recyclables.
Duke Energy personnel is on site today working with our drone team to conduct damage assessment. Thank you for your continued patience.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 UPDATE
2:30PM Update:
Buncombe County has just released water and food distribution sites. The closest site to Biltmore Forest is Estes Elementary off Overlook Road in S AVL.
Other locations are: Sand Hill Elementary - 154 Sand Hill School Road, Asheville
(Please enter via Acton Circle)
North Windy Ridge Intermediate School -
20 Doan Road, Weaverville
Fairview Elementary School - 1355 Charlotte Highway, Fairview
There is a limited amount of bottled water available at the Police Department that has been brought via donation. We are providing two bottles per person at this time until supplies run out. Non-potable water continues to be available on Stuyvesant Road north of Southwood Road until 3pm.
10:30AM Update: Non-potable water distribution is ongoing at Stuyvesant Road just south of Southwood Road. The Town still has very limited drinking water available for a 20 ounce fill-up at the Police Dept. One vessel per person, please. The Town Hall is open to charge devices and will close at 7pm this evening.
There are no updates from Duke Energy or the City of Asheville at this time for power or water restoration. Those updates will be provided as soon as they are available.
We are awaiting information regarding a food and water distribution site in Biltmore Forest specifically, but for now, please know that Buncombe County will be announcing food and water distribution sites at 12pm today. The sites will open at 2pm and will be drive-through but also will accept walk-ups.
More information will be forthcoming. Thank you.