North Carolina prepares for the arrival of the winter storm This weekend, several western counties—an area expected to be heavily impacted—have announced the opening of heated shelters for residents who need them.
In the context of climate emergencies and natural disasters, timely access to information in Spanish is crucial for Latino and Spanish-speaking communities in the region. In this context, Enlace Latino NC He consulted with Buncombe County about ongoing efforts to ensure the dissemination of vital information during the storm.
From the County Communications Office, Lina Herrera Hernández indicated that information in Spanish is being disseminated through official statements, the county website, its Spanish Facebook page, and through interpretation services and signage at the shelters.
The following information, available in Spanish, details the shelters located in western North Carolina counties. The list is based on an original article from [source missing]. Blue Ridge Public Radio and was translated and adapted by this medium with the aim of expanding access to vital information for the Latino community in the region.
Buncombe County
These shelters will open on Saturday at 9:00 am:
- Swannanoa: Hearts with Hands, 850 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa
- Northwest of Buncombe: Erwin High School Gymnasium, 60 Lees Creek Rd
- South of Buncombe: YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd, Asheville
Cherokee County
The shelters will open if the need arises. The county recommended that residents follow its Facebook page for updates.
- Cherokee County Detention Center Lobby, 577 Regal St, Murphy, NC
- Peachtree Fire and Rescue Department, 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
Heated shelter in the Athletics and Activity Center , located at 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville.
The shelter will open on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 10:00 am and will remain open until it is safe for residents to return to their homes.
Madison County
- Wellness Center at Madison County Early College and High School, 5734 US-25 #70, Marshall
- Hot Springs Elementary School, 63 N. Serpentine Ave., Hot Springs
McDowell County
People who need transportation to an emergency shelter before the storm arrives should call 828-559-0744 to request assistance. The shuttle vans will not operate once winter precipitation begins.
The shelters will open on Saturday at 8:00 am
- Shelter for the general population: Glenwood Baptist Church, 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Road, Marion (adults, children and small pets welcome)
- Medical shelter for people with special needs: McDowell County Senior Center, 100 Spaulding Road, Marion
(For people who depend on critical medical equipment such as oxygen, ventilators, CPAP machines, or other similar devices. Family members can stay with their loved ones in this shelter.)
Related>> Winter storm: Shelters open to all in North Carolina
Mitchell County
The night shelter will open on Saturday at noon in the Mitchell Senior Center , located at 152 Ledger School Rd, Bakersville.
Polk County
These shelters will open on Saturday at 8:00 am:
- Saluda Senior Center, 64 Greenville St, Saluda
- The Meeting Place, 77 Carmel Lane, Columbus
Rutherford County
These shelters will open on Saturday at noon:
- Forest City: Dunbar Elementary School, 286 Learning Way Drive
- Rutherfordton: Rutherfordton Presbyterian Church, 252 North Washington St, Rutherfordton
(Shelter exclusively for people who depend on electricity for medical reasons)
Yancey County
Pets are allowed in this shelter, but they must remain in cages.
For more information, call the county hotline at 828-205-1683 .
- Heated shelter opening Friday at 8:00 pm in the Yancey County Senior Center , 503 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC.
Haywood County
The county opened an emergency shelter today at Haywood Health and Human Services, located at 157 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.
The shelter opened this Saturday, January 24, at 5:00 pm and will remain available throughout the weekend. It is intended for residents who need a warm and safe place during the storm, including people who rely on medical equipment such as oxygen.
Shipping cost: Mountain Projects is offering transportation as conditions permit. To request it, please call 828-565-0362, ext. 3303, starting at 3:30 pm today. No voicemails should be left.
A limited number of pets are allowed, with proof of vaccination. Owners must bring leashes and carriers.
*This article is based on an original piece by Gerard Albert III, published by Blue Ridge Public Radio. The Spanish version was translated by Patricia Serrano for Enlace Latino NC with additional information. The English version can be read here.
**The notice will be updated if new shelters are announced or if existing schedules and locations are changed.
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