Read more updates on our live blog.
Counties throughout western North Carolina are preparing for a winter storm this weekend, and many have announced plans to open warming shelters for residents. Below is a noncomprehensive list of the shelters that have been announced by counties throughout the region.
Most shelters will open Saturday morning, while others will only open if there are widespread power outages caused by the storm.
Buncombe County
These shelters will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday:
- Swannanoa: Hearts with Hands at 850 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa
- Northwest Buncombe: Erwin High School gymnasium at 60 Lees Creek Rd
- Southern Buncombe: YMCA at 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville
Cherokee County
Shelters will open if the need arises. The county encouraged residents to follow its Facebook page for updates.
- Cherokee County Detention Center Lobby, 577 Regal St, Murphy NC
- Peachtree Fire & Rescue Dept., 1 Peachtree Firehouse Ln, Murphy NC
- Ranger Community Center, 155 Little Ranger Rd, Murphy NC and
- Unaka Community Center, 14945 Joe Brown Highway, Murphy NC
Henderson County
The county will open this shelter if widespread power outages are reported.
- Warming shelter at Athletics and Activity Center at 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville
Madison County
- Wellness Center at Madison County Early College and High School at 5734 US-25 #70, Marshall
- Hot Springs Elementary School at 63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs
McDowell County
Residents who need transportation to an emergency shelter prior to the storm’s arrival should call 828-559-0744 to request assistance. Transit vans will not run once the winter precipitation begins. Shelters will open on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m.
- General Population Shelter: Glenwood Baptist Church at 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Road, Marion (Adults, children, and small pets welcome)
- Special Needs Medical Shelter: McDowell County Senior Center at 100 Spaulding Road, Marion (For individuals dependent on critical medical equipment such as oxygen, ventilators, CPAP machines, and similar devices. Family members are permitted to stay with their loved ones in the Special Needs Shelter)
Mitchell County
- Overnight shelter will open at the Mitchell Senior Center at 152 Ledger School Rd, Bakersville, at noon Saturday.
Polk County
These shelter locations will open Saturday at 8 a.m.:
- Saluda Senior Center at 64 Greenville St, Saluda
- The Meeting Place at 77 Carmel Lane, Columbus
Rutherford County
These shelter locations will open Saturday at noon:
- Forest City - Dunbar Elementary school, 286 Learning Way Drive
- Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church, 252 North Washington St, Rutherfordton - Medical power-dependent shelter only for those needing medical attention
Yancey County
Pets are welcome at this shelter but must be in cages. For more information call the county hotline at 828‑205‑1683
- Warming shelter opening Friday at 8 p.m. at Yancey County Senior Center at 503 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC
