Update 8/9/23: BPR staff is currently displaced from numerous damaged offices and studios, and we lost vital equipment. Restoration time is underdetermined at this time, but BPR's on air and digital programming operations remain unaffected.
8/3/23: One studio and several offices were destroyed by overnight flooding at Blue Ridge Public Radio in downtown Asheville.
Early Tuesday morning, Morning Edition host Helen Chickering discovered water pouring from the second floor of the building at 73 Broadway Street and promptly contacted authorities. The Asheville Fire Department responded and identified the source of the water leak from the offices upstairs.
Despite extensive damage to the building and equipment, the station did not experience any disruption in broadcast services. Restoration is expected to last several months.
The BPR offices will remain closed until sufficient repairs are made.
Check back here for updates.