City of Asheville Government Press Release January 26, 2026: The City of Asheville continues to monitor impacts from Winter Storm Fern, with crews across departments taking steps to ensure public safety, maintain critical services, and respond quickly to weather-related impacts. Below are the latest updates.
Weather and Road Conditions Update
Low temperatures and wind gusts are expected throughout today. Many areas of Asheville are seeing snowfall, with some areas seeing some accumulation. Public Works crews have trucks out monitoring conditions and applying salt as needed, with additional crews standing by and ready to respond to downed trees or other issues if needed. Please use caution while traveling.
Public safety staff returns to normal operations today, January 26
The Emergency Operations Center reduced operational status to a Level 4 - Monitoring at 11 a.m. today, and all public safety personnel, including water and public works, returned to normal operations. Police and Fire staff will continue their normal operations of 24/7 shifts. Public Works and Water staff will remain on call outside normal business hours. Additionally, Asheville Emergency Management will continue to monitor this weather and increase operational status if needed.
City of Asheville offices will reopen tomorrow, January 27
All City government offices will reopen tomorrow, January 27, and resume normal operating hours.
The City Council meeting schedule for January 27 will still occur at 10 a.m. in person.
Asheville Community Centers will reopen tomorrow for normal operations.
Parking garages will return to normal operations Monday, January 26 at 10 p.m. Exit gates will remain open until tomorrow, January 27 at 8 a.m. Vehicles that exit prior to 8 a.m. Tuesday will be able to exit at no cost.
ART Transit Services resume at 1pm, some route delays
ART bus service returned to service at 1:00 p.m. today, following weather-related impacts.
At this time, most routes are expected to operate as scheduled. Any delays or detours to service will be communicated through iRide alerts here.
Sanitation Services will resume January 27
At this time Sanitation service will return to service tomorrow, January 27, and waste will be collected on a one-day delay. Any changes to this plan will be communicated by 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. Community members can sign up for free to receive notifications about schedule changes or delays here.
2026 CoC PIT Count rescheduled
Due to the Winter Storm Warning in effect for Buncombe County, the 2026 PIT Count will not take place on January 27 and 28. It has been rescheduled to Tuesday, February 10 and Wednesday, February 11. More information about volunteering for the February Count will be available next week. Please email homelessstrategy@ashevillenc.gov with any questions.
Image: City of Asheville