Town of Black Mountain monitoring winter storm
Residents encouraged to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and extended power outages
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
January 23, 2026
Town of Black Mountain officials are monitoring an approaching winter storm, anticipated to arrive, Jan. 24, and encouraging residents to prepare for hazardous travel conditions and extended power outages. Photo by Fred McCormick
An approaching winter storm, which is expected to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain to much of the country, is being closely monitored by Town of Black Mountain and Buncombe County officials.
Local residents are encouraged to prepare for potentially hazardous travel conditions and possible extended power outages.
The system is anticipated to impact the mountains and piedmont areas of N.C., upstate S.C. and northeast Georgia., as the National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg has declared an ice storm warning that will be in effect from 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24 through 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 26.
Significant icing, including compacted sleet and snow, with total accumulations of up to 2 inches, with and an additional accumulation of up to 1 inch of ice and wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour, are expected in and around the Swannanoa Valley. The weather is anticipated to cause “treacherous and impassable” road conditions and widespread power outages, due to heavy ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines, according to the NWS.
Town officials, in a Jan. 22 press release, encouraged local residents to prepare emergency supply kits that include sufficient water and non-perishable food for “several days.”
“Town departments have been actively preparing to ensure public safety and continuity of essential services,” the statement said. “Preparations include fueling and inspecting all vehicles and equipment, sharpening and fueling chainsaws, topping off fuel tanks at critical facilities and fully stocking the Town’s salt supply.”
A snow removal contractor has been placed on standby, according to the release, while six zones are mapped for plows, if needed.
“Current forecasts indicated the storm may bring significant ice accumulation, instead of snow,” the town said in its statement. “In anticipation for this, the Town will focus on pre-treatment efforts on roadways.”
Black Mountain public safety leaders have been coordinating with the Buncombe County Emergency Operations Center and county officials since early in the week, according to the town, which plans to continue those communications throughout the duration of the weather event.
Town staff will provide information to the public through the weekend, with updates shared at townofblackmountain.org and on the municipality’s social media platforms. Residents are encouraged to sign up for the town’s CodeRED Emergency Alert system through the website, or by texting BLACKMTN to 24639. Timely emergency communications will also be shared through the CodeRED Emergency Notification System.
Buncombe County declared a local state of emergency, effective at 12 p.m., Jan. 23, while announcing the availability of three shelters ahead of the arrival of the winter storm. Swannanoa Hearts with Hands, at 850 Warren Wilson Road, the Erwin High School gymnasium and Reuters YMCA will open at 9 a.m., Jan. 24, in coordination with the Red Cross.
Each shelter is equipped with a generator, while Hearts with Hands will provide meals to those sheltering at the facility. Nurses will conduct health screenings, but shelters are unable to administer medical care. The shelters will also serve as “warming stations,” and people accessing the locations are not required to stay overnight. Residents using the shelters should bring changes of clothing, toiletries, blankets and pillows, snacks, chargers for devices and prescription medication. Therapy animals are allowed, but pets are not permitted.
Explore Asheville is coordinating with the county and local lodging providers to offer “snow rates” for those seeking shelter. For more information, including a list of cooperating facilities, visit exploreasheville.com/winter-weather-alert.
All county parks will close at 5 p.m., Jan. 23, remaining closed, along with public libraries, through at least the following day. The landfill and transfer station will operate, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, while Mountain Mobility will cease operation at noon.
Buncombe County will also provide updates and information through buncombeready.org and its official social media platforms.