Archive for the ‘weather’ Category

Asheville Streets Closed Due to Storm

Monday, May 4th, 2009

ASHEVILLE, NC – A strong thunderstorm that blew through the Asheville area last night has closed several streets and delayed the opening of one school.

City dispatchers say the storm downed trees and power lines around 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

The streets closed due to the storm damage are: Swannanoa River Road between Glendale Avenue to South Tunnel Road; Thompson Street between Stoner Road to Glendale Avenue; all of Stoner Road between Thompson Street and Fairview Road; Fairview Street between Sweeten Creek Road and First Street.

Haw Creek Elementary School was put on a two hour delay Monday so school janitors could repair and clean up the damage. School is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m.

Posted in asheville, weather | No Comments »

Cold Front Could Bring Snow In WNC Mountains

Monday, April 6th, 2009

ASHEVILLE, NC – The North Carolina mountains are preparing for a late season snowstorm. A cold front Monday morning and afternoon will likely bring 1 to 3 inches of snow to the mountains.

Forecasters said moisture will begin moving in Monday afternoon, and up to 7 inches of snow could fall in higher elevations west of Asheville. A winter storm warning has been issued.

In some places in the mountains, the temperature dropped 30 degrees Monday morning. Appalachian State University students brought out their winter coats again to go to class. One said they can’t really be surprised because the freezing weather in spring is what Boone is known for.

Department of Transportation crews are preparing to salt the roads. Watauga County students are not on spring break until next week.

The front will bring much colder weather to everyone. The National Weather Service said an April freeze is possible Tuesday night across all of North Carolina.

Posted in asheville, weather | No Comments »

Asheville Fire and Rescue Kick-Off, Severe Weather Awareness Week

Wednesday, March 4th, 2009

Asheville Fire and Rescue would like to inform the Asheville area that the first week in March has been named Severe Weather Awareness Week. This week is dedicated to educating individuals to be aware of what to do in case of a storm.

The National Weather Service issued 784 thunderstorm and high wind warnings and watches during 2008 in North Carolina. They issued 106 flash flood warnings and confirmed at least 50 tornadoes; causing more than $20 million in damages.

The most important thing individuals can do during severe weather is to be aware of it. Knowing the moment an alert is issued can give provide critical minutes to get to safety. Weather radios are an effective way to know when there is an alert. Because severe weather could result in a multitude of emergency situations, citizens should pack and plan to be prepared. This means to be ready before the emergency occurs and to have your emergency preparedness kit and plan in place. A three day supply of food and water is recommended along with batteries, warm clothes and blankets, personal items, medicine, important documents and a first aid kit. Please remember to keep elderly, children and pets in mind.

For further information, please contact Asheville Fire and Rescue or visit the website at www.ashevillenc.gov/fire. Other informational websites include: www.ready.gov, www.redcross.org, or www.readync.org.

Posted in asheville, government, weather | No Comments »

Asheville scientist wins Nobel Peace Prize

Friday, October 12th, 2007

National Climatic Data Center scientist Tom Peterson of Asheville found out about his award while he was having breakfast and listening to National Public Radio.

Mr. Peterson is one of over 2,000 different scientists assisting the United Nations’ International Panel on Climate Change. Sharing the Nobel Prize with the other scientists and former Vice President turned documentary filmmaker Al Gore, Peterson wrote a key chapter in the report used by Gore in his hit film An Inconvenient Truth.

Nine researchers work at Asheville’s National Climatic Data Center, where one of their many tasks is collecting data and reporting on global warming.

Posted in asheville, publicity, weather | No Comments »