Buncombe County Emergency Management

05/05/2026

Watch vs Warning

Watch:
- Conditions are possible.
- All the ingredients are there for dangerous weather, but it hasn’t started yet.
- This is the time to stay alert, review your plan, and be ready to act.

Warning:
- Dangerous weather is happening or about to happen.
- This means it’s time to take action to protect yourself.

Whether it’s heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, or severe storms in the mountains, knowing the difference helps you respond quickly and stay safe.

Buncombe County Government

05/04/2026

Build an Emergency Kit

Start Hurricane Preparedness Week strong!

Today’s focus: Build an Emergency Kit.

A well-stocked kit means you’re ready before a storm is on the way. Add a few items each time you shop — water, non‑perishable food, flashlights, chargers, first aid supplies, pet needs, and medications.
A little preparation now makes a big difference later.
Stay ready, NC!

Buncombe County Government

05/03/2026

Our community is no stranger to natural disasters and severe weather. During Helene, we learned that we are strong and resilient, and that preparation is important. This week is Hurricane Preparedness Week, and with the 2026 hurricane season approaching, now is the time to prepare.

📝 Step 1 is making a plan:
• Know your emergency contacts and how you will communicate
• Include evacuation routes and meeting locations
• Keep important documents handy
• Include medical and accessibility needs, and children and pets

Be sure every family member knows the plan and how to access it. To learn more about making a plan, visit buncombeready.org

🚨 Our new emergency alert system is now live! If you signed up before this year, you need to sign up again. Stay informed about severe weather, road closures, emergencies, and more by texting “BCREADY” to 67283 or visiting buncombenc.gov/bcalerts to register online.

04/23/2026

Come be apart of a great program!

04/23/2026

🌱 Spring in Buncombe County = Changing Conditions 🌦️

Hopefully rain is in the near forecast, and while rain is welcome, it can bring its own risks—especially when it comes fast.

After periods of drought, the ground can become hard and compact, meaning it doesn’t absorb water well. So when a quick downburst hits:
💧 Water runs off faster
🚗 Roads can flood in minutes

What this means for you:

- Never drive through water-covered roads — Turn Around, Don’t Drown
- Watch for sudden changes in creeks and low-lying areas
- Stay weather-aware, especially during afternoon storms

Spring is a season of growth—but also rapid change. Stay ready, stay aware, and help keep our community safe.

01/31/2026

❄️❄️Snow will continue throughout the evening with below zero wind chills following in behind it.

5 inches of snow so far in the Erwin Hills community.

If you’re not out playing in the snow, tell us how much you have!

👇 Tell us your totals!

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

Updated snow totals are posted and they had increased for some parts of our area. The timing will be this evening through Sunday morning.

Ensure personal preparedness and plan for roads to be slick. Check on your neighbors those who are unable to perform common winter weather preparedness tasks.

01/29/2026

Snow and cold temperatures are moving back in over the weekend. Stay weather ready and prepare for snow covered roadways.

Follow all safety recommendations for space heaters and let those faucets drip on the extreme cold nights.