Buncombe County, August 10, 2025
News Summary
Buncombe County is grappling with severe winter weather, resulting in snow showers and a surge in demand for emergency shelters under Code Purple conditions. With freezing temperatures and hazardous travel conditions, local schools have shifted to remote learning, and emergency services have urged residents to seek shelter. As the community faces ongoing cold weather challenges, shelters are operating at peak capacity and urgently need volunteers to assist those in need.
Buncombe County Faces Severe Winter Weather, Increased Demand for Shelters Amid Code Purple Conditions
As Buncombe County experiences severe winter weather, residents are facing challenges from snow showers and heightened demands for emergency shelters. Snowfall is expected to continue into Thursday, with specific weather conditions exacerbating the situation for vulnerable populations.
On Wednesday morning, parts of the mountains in Buncombe County were blanketed with snow, which was anticipated to taper off by late morning or early afternoon. School districts across the mountainous areas instituted delays, with Buncombe County Schools shifting to remote learning by 7:30 a.m. In Henderson County, all schools closed due to the hazardous conditions.
Adding to the difficulties, all FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in western North Carolina closed on Wednesday because of the inclement weather. Additionally, the Buncombe Private Property Debris Removal intake centers are operating with a two-hour delay.
Looking ahead, a second round of snow is forecasted for early Thursday morning, particularly impacting higher elevations close to the Tennessee state line, with anticipated accumulations of 2 to 4 inches. Even though Buncombe County itself is predicted to receive only up to 0.5 inches of new snow, concerns about patchy black ice developing during the morning commute looms due to the melting snow refreezing. High temperatures are projected to linger in the low 20s, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph.
In light of plunged temperatures and ongoing emergencies, Buncombe County has been under ‘Code Purple’ conditions, which highlight extreme cold weather concerns. Since October, the area has recorded 41 consecutive Code Purple days. This weather has stirred an increased demand for shelter services, leading to shelters filling up rapidly due to the persistent freezing conditions and the need for additional volunteer assistance and supplies.
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) has noted that their men’s shelter housed 69 residents while the women’s facility accommodated 78 on the same evening, marking the peak capacity for the year. Current trends suggest that the shelter system may surpass the 100 nights of Code Purple recorded last winter, signaling sustained demands on resources.
During Code Purple days, shelters operate continuously, which creates a strain on staff and volunteers who are already fatigued from the extensive hours of service. There is currently an urgent call for skilled volunteers to assist with shelter needs. Residents in need of services are encouraged to reach out to the Code Purple hotline at 828-398-6011 for information about locations and available resources.
Context on Code Purple Conditions
The designation of Code Purple represents an emergency response to severe cold weather in Buncombe County. Shelters remain open 24 hours a day during these conditions to provide a safe haven for individuals and families facing homelessness and hypothermia risks. For the community, this has meant significant operational pressures on local organizations devoted to assisting those in peril from the adverse weather.
Key Points Summary
- Snow showers affected Buncombe County on Wednesday with school disruptions.
- A second snow event is anticipated for Thursday with temperatures reaching the low 20s.
- Demand for shelter has surged, with current occupancy levels at peak capacity.
- Volunteers are urgently needed to assist shelter operations during Code Purple days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Code Purple condition?
A Code Purple condition indicates extremely cold weather, prompting shelters to open their doors 24/7 to provide protection for vulnerable populations.
How can I help during this weather emergency?
Residents can assist by volunteering at local shelters or by donating supplies. Those needing shelter services can contact the Code Purple hotline for assistance.
What are the current shelter capacities in Buncombe County?
As of the latest reports, the men’s shelter at ABCCM has 69 residents, and the women’s shelter has 78 residents, reaching capacity this year.
Weather and Shelter Overview Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Weather | Snow showers ending, with a potential 2-4 inches on Thursday |
| Temperature | Highs in the low 20s, wind gusts up to 40 mph |
| Code Purple Days | 41 since October |
| Current Shelter Residents | Men’s shelter: 69; Women’s shelter: 78 |
| Volunteer Needs | Skilled volunteers needed for shelter assistance |
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Additional Resources
- Weather.com: Today’s Weather in Asheville, NC
- 828 News Now: Weather Advisory for Buncombe & Henderson Counties
- WLOS: Weather Warning for Buncombe County
- News Observer: Weather Impact Report
- WLOS: Buncombe County Shelters Crowded
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Google Search: Buncombe County Weather Emergency
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact on Community
- Google News: Buncombe County Code Purple
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
