Live blog: impacts of hurricane Ian on Western North Carolina

Blue Ridge Parkway

Portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed beginning late Friday afternoon. A press release from the Park Service says the locations include: Milepost 318 - 375.2 from Linville Spur Road to Bull Gap , Milepost 393 - 406 from the French Broad overlook to Rte 151 entrance (north side), MP 412.9 - 443 from Hwy 276 (south side) to Balsam Gap, MP 446 - 469 from Balsam Gap to southern terminus.

The Park Service says closures are expected to remain in place through at least mid-day Sunday, October 2, 2022, and will re-open once assessments have been made. Where conditions permit and the road remains open, park visitors are reminded to use extreme caution and be aware of the potential for falling rocks and downed trees.

The Pisgah Inn will remain accessible via both Hwy 151 and Hwy 27, providing two egress routes in opposite directions for visitors.  Updates and information regarding the status of park facilities, including the road itself, will be available on Parkway’s website, and its Twitter and Facebook pages.

Pisgah National Forest

The U.S. Forest Service is temporarily closing some campgrounds and recreation areas in the Pisgah National Forests in advance of the storm. A press release says the following roads are closed and are expected to reopen Tuesday, Oct 4, pending hazard assessments:

In Yancey County: Neals Creek Road (NFR 2074) at the Blue Ridge Parkway gate and bottom gate, Flattop Road (NFR 278) at the Harm Miller Gap gate and Spivey Gap gate

In Madison County: Hickey Fork Road (NFR 465), Murray Branch Recreation Site Road (NFR 3518)

Black Mountain, Briar Bottom, and Harmon Den Horse Campgrounds will close Friday, September 30, at 11 am and are expected to reopen Tuesday, October 4, at noon pending hazard assessments.

For NC State Parks closures, check the State Parks website at www.ncparks.gov/blog/2022/09/29/north-carolina-state-parks-closure

Updated 9/30 at 11:00 a.m.

The National Weather Servicehas issued a wind advisory for the BPR listening area until 8 a.m. Saturday morning , with North winds 15 to 25 mph and gusts up to 50 mph in some areas. Forecasters have lowered predicted rainfall totals for the region, with less than an inch predicted for Asheville and the surrounding area. Henderson County could see 1 to 2 inches. Avery, McDowell, Burke & Rutherford counties could see between 2 to 3 inches.

Updated at 9/30 at 7:00 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued an updated advisory for Hurricane Ian, a category 1 storm, which is expected to make landfall on the South Carolina coast this afternoon. It will track north northwest across the Carolinas, weakening to a tropical storm tonight. NWS warns of strong and gusty winds throughout the day; heavy rainfall is expected mainly this afternoon and evening, and may cause localized flash flooding. The flood threat will primarily affect the North Carolina Piedmont, northern North Carolina mountains, and eastern Upstate.

Closures

Buncombe County Schools: Out of an abundance of caution, we will postpone all BCS field trips, after school activities, and athletics on Friday, Sept. 30. We will continue to monitor forecasts, and should we need to make any further adjustments to our schedule, we’ll let our staff and families know as soon as possible.

Asheville Parks and Recreation: All outdoor events and classes have been canceled or rescheduled. As of this time, indoor events will continue as scheduled

Canceled or Postponed Outdoor Events:

10/1: Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K @ RAD Greenway Route

Rescheduled for 10/22 with route change pending

10/1: Burton Street Agricultural Fair @ Burton Street Recreation Center Exterior

Rescheduled for 10/15

10/1: Asheville Art in the Park @ N. Pack/Median/Raised Lawn

Rescheduled for 11/5

10/2: Asheville Veganfest @ Pack Square Park - Full Site

Rescheduled for 10/16

(Updated 9/29 at 5:30 p.m.)

The City of Asheville issued a press release ahead of the potential storm listing resources and closures.

The release states that the main threat from Hurricane Ian will be heavy rainfall and gusty winds Friday through Saturday.

To learn more how to stay safe before, during, and after a storm on the City’s stormwater page.

People in need during the storm can find community services including supplies, transportation and storage. Check outCity of Asheville Homelessness Resources Guide.

Due to the potential of fast-moving storm waters or flash flooding, the City of Asheville advises community members to use caution on the roads. The City will be updating the AVL Alert system and partnering with WAZE to provide updated road information. As always, keep in mind:Turn Around, Dont Drown.

The full list of events postponed and cancelled can be found on the city website.

(Updated 9/29 at 4 p.m.)

North Carolina is bracing for impacts from Tropical Storm Ian as the storm's remnants are expected to enter the state as early Thursday night.

Governor Roy Cooper and emergency management officials held a briefing Thursday encouraging North Carolinians across the state – especially those in eastern and central North Carolina – to be prepared.

“This storm can still be dangerous and even deadly. Heavy rains up to 7 inches in some areas are likely to bring flooding. Land slides threaten our mountains and there is a chance of tornados statewide,” said Cooper.

It was only 13 months ago that Tropical Storm Fred caused devastation in Western North Carolina killing six people in Haywood County, Cooper explained.

“If you haven’t already - it’s time to make sure that your family is prepared,” said Cooper.

He pointed to the Ready NC.gov as a place to go to make your hurricane prep list.

State emergency management director Will Ray says that the trajectory of the storm has shifted so that it will impact North Carolina on Friday rather than the previous forecast which predicted heavy rains over the weekend.

“The bulk of the weather and the risk that we are talking about right now for Western North Carolina and the cost will be concentrated tomorrow and tomorrow night,” said Ray.

Updated at 10/01 at 8:30 a.m.

Remnants of Tropical Cyclone Ian passed by Western North Carolina bringing rain and wind, but no reports of flooding or damage. Forecasters with the National Weather Servicesay Ian is now considered post-tropical, on a continuing northward track into southern Virginia. The system leaves behind a bulk of low-level moisture in WNC that will keep skies mostly cloudy and temperatures on the cool side over the weekend with a slight chance of a stray shower.