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As a winter storm approaches this weekend, counties across western North Carolina are setting up to welcome residents into warming shelters. Below is an overview of the shelters announced by various counties in the region.
Most shelters are scheduled to open on Saturday morning, although some will only open if the storm causes significant power outages.
Buncombe County
Shelters in this area will start operating 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
Facilities will open as needed. Residents are encouraged to check the county’s Facebook page for the latest 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
- Unaka Community Center, 14945 Joe Brown Highway, Murphy NC
Henderson County
- The Athletics and Activity Center at 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville will open at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026, and remain open until safe conditions return.
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 needing transportation to emergency shelters before the storm’s impact can call 828-559-0744. Note that transit services will halt once winter precipitation begins. Shelters will open at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday.
- 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 reliant on critical medical equipment. Family members may accompany them.)
Mitchell County
- An overnight shelter will be available at Mitchell Senior Center, 152 Ledger School Rd, Bakersville, starting at noon on Saturday.
Polk County
Shelters will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday:
- Saluda Senior Center at 64 Greenville St, Saluda
- The Meeting Place at 77 Carmel Lane, Columbus
Rutherford County
The following shelters will open at noon on Saturday:
- Forest City – Dunbar Elementary School, 286 Learning Way Drive
- Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church, 252 North Washington St, Rutherfordton (for those needing medical attention)
Yancey County
Shelters here allow pets in cages. For more information, residents can call the county hotline at 828‑205‑1683.
- A warming shelter will open at 8 p.m. on Friday at Yancey County Senior Center at 503 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC
Transylvania County
- The Brevard Fire Department (95 W Main St.) will operate a warming station from Saturday to Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering hot beverages and charging stations.
