January 26, 2026 - 12:00 pm
Monday Morning Update
Final Winter Storm Update
Conditions have improved greatly through this morning, though temperatures and wind chills will remain exceptionally low overnight and this week. Please continue to check on neighbors or others who may be in need. The Town will return to regular operations tomorrow and trash and recycling service will resume with a one-day delay for this week. The local state of emergency is scheduled to expire at 6:00 pm this evening. The Town greatly appreciates the cooperation and help from all residents through the winter storm event this weekend. This will be the Town’s last update related to Winter Storm Fern. Thank you, and please continue to stay safe.
Duke Energy Scam Texts
Fraudulent text messages are being sent that appear to be from Duke Energy, but they are not. If you receive one like the screenshot below, do not respond or click any links. Please share to help protect others. We are aware of a scam targeting utility customers claiming they will be impacted by a scheduled power outage, and that message did not come from Duke Energy.
Customers should avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from businesses or individuals they do not know, and they should contact Duke Energy, at 1-800-777-9898 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., directly to discuss their account or visit company communications channels for the latest updates. Duke Energy will communicate grid conditions through its official communication channels.
More information:
- Website: www.duke-energy.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/DukeEnergy
Example of a scam text message:
Town Reminders:
- Trash and recycling collection for the week of Monday, January 26 through Wednesday, January 28 will be delayed by one day, and will run from Tuesday-Thursday this week. This will allow additional time for driveways to melt and become passable for our trucks and allow Public Works staff to address road needs on Monday. Please note that trash and recycling services cannot access driveways that are impassable due to ice. Should there be any changes, they will announced by end of day, today.
- Town Hall is closed with staff working remotely on Monday, January 26. Phones and emails will be monitored.
- The Board of Adjustment meeting for Monday has been cancelled.
January 25, 2026 - 11:30 am
Sunday Afternoon Update
As of Sunday afternoon, precipitation across our area will be tapering off, with current conditions consisting mainly of rain and some light freezing precipitation. While conditions have improved compared to earlier periods of freezing rain, road conditions remain hazardous, and refreezing is expected overnight this afternoon and evening as temperatures fall.
Town Public Works crews are continuing road treatment efforts today and are monitoring conditions closely. Despite these efforts, residents should anticipate icy conditions redeveloping tonight and into early Monday, particularly on shaded roadways, bridges, and areas with limited sun exposure.
Power Outages
There remains the potential for prolonged power outages due to ice accumulation and tree damage. The Town is currently aware of 65 power outages in the north part of town. Duke Energy has advised that their crews will respond as quickly as road conditions allow, but restoration efforts may take time depending on safety and accessibility.
Local State of Emergency
A Local State of Emergency remains in effect for the Town of Biltmore Forest and Buncombe County.
Effective: 12:00 p.m. Friday
Scheduled to expire: 6:00 p.m. Monday
Travel and Parking Guidance
Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary or for emergencies only. Do not park vehicles on streets, so emergency responders, utility crews, and road treatment vehicles can operate safely
Ongoing Safety Concerns
Overnight refreezing may create black ice, especially in shaded or low-traffic areas
Tree limbs and debris may continue to fall as ice loosens
Emergency response and power restoration may be slowed by icy conditions
The Town will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed. Residents are encouraged to remain cautious and patient as crews work through the remainder of this event. Thank you for your help by staying off the roads and stay safe.
January 24, 2026 - 2pm
Winter Weather and Ice Storm Update
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg indicates this weekend’s winter storm is expected to move into our area shortly, around 3–4 p.m., and continue into early Monday morning. Snow amounts are expected to be minimal; however, freezing rain and ice remain the primary concern, with forecasts indicating up to approximately one-half inch of ice accumulation. Ice at these levels can result in hazardous travel conditions, fallen limbs, blocked roads, and prolonged power outages, particularly in heavily wooded areas. Duke Energy has massed significant crews from outside the region in Buncombe County and the Town has pre-positioned tree crews as well. However, please know that any response time will likely be significantly delayed by anticipated road conditions.
Local State of Emergency
A Local State of Emergency is currently in effect for Buncombe County and all municipalities, including the Town of Biltmore Forest.
Effective: 12:00 p.m., Friday, January 23
Scheduled to expire: 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 26
What to Expect
Timing: Impacts begin late Saturday afternoon, intensify through Sunday, and may persist into early Monday.
Primary Hazard: Freezing rain and ice; snow is expected to be minimal.
Potential Impacts: Dangerous driving conditions, downed trees or limbs, prolonged power outages, and blocked roads.
Travel and Parking Guidance
Residents are strongly encouraged to:
- Stay off the roads during periods of freezing rain and ice, especially Saturday evening through Sunday.
- Do not park vehicles on streets, so emergency responders, utility crews, and tree-removal teams can operate safely.
Preparation Reminders
Residents should continue to prepare by:
- Charging phones and essential devices
- Ensuring flashlights, batteries, food, water, and medications are available
- Planning for the possibility of extended power outages
- Checking on neighbors who may need assistance
Safety Notes
Avoid contact with downed trees or power lines — always assume lines are energized.
Emergency response and restoration efforts may be slowed during icy conditions. Town crews will be treating roads with salt over the next several hours.
The Town will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available. Please monitor trusted weather sources and continue to stay inside through the duration of the storm.
January 23, 2026 - 11:30am
Town of Biltmore Forest – Winter Weather Update & State of Emergency
The Town of Biltmore Forest is joining Buncombe County and all other municipalities in declaring a Local State of Emergency, effective 12 PM Friday, January 23 through 6 PM Monday, January 26. This declaration supports coordination of resources and emergency planning in advance of the anticipated winter weather.
A copy of the state of emergency may be found here.
The National Weather Service continues to forecast a winter weather event impacting our area Saturday late afternoon through early Monday morning. Snow is expected to be minimal but freezing rain and ice are the primary hazards. Current forecasts for our area indicate the potential for up to one-half inch of ice with more possible throughout the region. Ice at these levels can result in dangerous driving conditions, fallen tree limbs, downed power lines, and power outages, especially in heavily wooded areas like ours.
To support public safety:
- Residents are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads while freezing rain and ice are occurring.
- Do not park vehicles on the street, so emergency responders, utility crews, and tree removal teams can operate safely.
- Avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve.
Please prepare now by:
- Charging phones and essential devices
- Stocking flashlights, batteries, food, water, and medications
- Planning for the possibility of extended power outages
- Checking on neighbors who may need assistance
Trash and recycling collection for the week of January 26 will be delayed by at least one day next week pending the severity of the winter storm.
Emergency response efforts may be slowed by ice and downed trees. Avoid contact with downed power lines and always assume lines are energized. Town Public Works staff will be working through the weekend to treat roads as conditions allow.
Forecast details may continue to change. The Town will update this page as needed and encourages residents to monitor trusted weather sources for the latest information.
Thank you.
January 22, 2026 – 4:30pm
The National Weather Service continues to forecast a significant winter weather event affecting our region, beginning Saturday and lasting into Monday morning. The message below includes information on town preparation, trash and recycling schedules next week, Town closures, recommended steps for residents, and more.
Timing of Event
Please note: this information reflects the most recent update from the National Weather Service for Buncombe County at 2:30pm on 1/22/26. Please monitor the National Weather Service or your local news outlets for updates. At this moment, the forecast calls for precipitation to begin Saturday afternoon and last through early Monday morning. At this point, the forecast is calling for minimal snowfall and up to 1/2 inch of ice with additional sleet accumulations.
The storm’s primary impact period appears to be Saturday evening through Sunday.
Precipitation gradually tapers off early Monday morning, but significantly colder temperatures will move into the area and make travel very dangerous. The likelihood of this being a moderate to major ice event is high and may also result in roads being impassable due to downed trees and power lines.
Key Points
Ice accumulation — even at moderate levels — places significant stress on trees and power lines, particularly in heavily wooded areas like ours. This may result in:
- Fallen limbs or trees
- Power outages
- Blocked roadways
- Dangerous driving conditions
Snow amounts are expected to be minimal and ice is our primary concern at this time. The Town strongly encourages all residents to stay off the roads during periods of freezing rain and ice, especially Saturday afternoon through Monday. Do not be on the roads unless it is absolutely necessary. To help support the Town’s emergency response and ensure your safety, we ask that you do the following:
- Keep roadways clear for emergency vehicles, utility crews, and tree-removal operations and do not park vehicles on the road
- Avoid non-essential travel until conditions improve
Town Preparation
Town leadership is monitoring the situation in coordination with Buncombe County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service. Action plans are in place for the weekend and following days, as follows:
- Public Works staff will treat all roads Saturday to ensure maximum effectiveness. Crews will remain on standby and coordinate with BFPD to evaluate road conditions and perform additional work as necessary on Sunday and Monday.
- Trash and recycling collection for the week of Monday, January 26- Wednesday, January 28 will be delayed by one day, and will run from Tuesday-Thursday next week. This will allow additional time for driveways to melt and become passable for our trucks and allow Public Works staff to address road needs on Monday. Please note that trash and recycling services cannot access driveways that are impassable due to ice.
- Town Hall staff will work remotely on Monday, January 26, unless conditions are better than anticipated. Phones and emails will be monitored provided there are no power or communication outages that prevent this. The Board of Adjustment meeting for Monday has been cancelled.
Resident Preparation
Residents are encouraged to prepare now by:
- Charging phones and essential devices
- Ensuring flashlights, batteries, food, water, and medications are available
- Preparing for the possibility of power outages lasting longer than a typical snow event
- Checking on neighbors who may need assistance
Additional Safety Reminders
- Avoid contact with downed trees or power lines — always assume lines are energized.
- Emergency response and restoration efforts may be slowed during icy conditions.
- Conditions may vary significantly across town due to terrain and tree cover.
Forecast details may continue to change as the event approaches. The Town will update this page as needed and encourages residents to monitor trusted weather sources for the latest information. Thank you.