Is Asheville Still Without Power?

As Asheville continues to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene, one of the most pressing concerns for many residents is the status of the power outages that have plagued the area. The storm’s impact was severe, causing widespread damage to power lines, transformers, and other critical infrastructure. Many neighborhoods in Asheville, as well as rural communities in the surrounding areas, have experienced prolonged outages, leaving residents and businesses in the dark for days—or even weeks.

The Current Situation

Currently, efforts to restore power are well underway, but full recovery is is still in progress. While many parts of the city have had their power restored, there are still some areas, particularly in more remote or heavily affected neighborhoods, where outages persist. Crews from local utilities, with support from other regional teams, have been working around the clock to repair damaged lines and restore electricity to homes and businesses. The mountainous terrain of Asheville has complicated these efforts, especially in areas where fallen trees and landslides have blocked roads and made access difficult for repair teams. The storm knocked out major transmission lines, and the extent of the flooding in some areas has made it challenging to safely assess and repair the damage.

What to Expect in the Coming Days

Utility companies are hopeful that most of Asheville will have power restored within the next few days. However, for residents in more isolated communities or areas that experienced extreme damage, the timeline may be longer. Repair crews are prioritizing their work based on safety, the extent of the damage, and the number of people affected by each outage.

For those still without power, it’s important to stay informed through local news updates and social media channels. Utility companies are posting regular updates on the status of repairs. In the meantime, temporary shelters and relief centers have been set up around the city to provide charging stations, hot meals, and other essential services for those in need.

How This Affects the Recovery Process

The ongoing power outages have made the recovery process more difficult for many in the Asheville community. Without power, families are unable to cook, store food safely, or heat their homes as temperatures begin to drop. Businesses, particularly those that rely on refrigeration or other power-dependent systems, are facing significant losses. For those already struggling with stress or trauma from the hurricane, the lack of power only adds to the burden, affecting both physical and mental health.

At Ritual Recovery, we understand that the stress of living without basic necessities can trigger emotional responses such as anxiety, frustration, and depression. For individuals in recovery or those managing mental health conditions, this type of disruption can be particularly challenging. That’s why we are offering additional support services during this difficult time, providing a safe and supportive environment for those in need of emotional healing and guidance.

Coping with the Stress of Power Outages

Living without power for an extended period can be incredibly stressful. Here are some ways to cope with the challenges while awaiting power restoration:

Stay Connected

Even if your home is without power, try to stay informed through your mobile phone or battery-operated devices. Follow local news updates and check in with neighbors and loved ones to share information and support.

Use Community Resources

Take advantage of the local shelters and relief centers providing food, warmth, and a place to recharge your devices. These centers also offer a sense of community and connection, which can be uplifting during such isolating times.

Community Care Station

The Care Station provides showers (bring your towels and toiletries), laundry, porta-johns, handwashing, charging, Starlink, Red Cross, Novant Medical, and food and water distribution.

• 980 Brevard Rd. (At Home Store parking lot) from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily.
• 85 Tunnel Rd. (Innsbruck Shopping Center parking lot) from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. daily.

Shelters

If in need, general shelters are available throughout the Asheville area.

• General public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center (pets accepted) – 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher 
• General public shelter at AB Tech – 6 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (use Victoria Road entrance)
• Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
• Old Gold’s Gym – 1815 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Food and Water Distribution

Food in the form of Meals Ready to Eat (MRE), drinking water and water for flushing toilets are available at the below listed distribution sites. Distribution hours are 9 a.m – 7 p.m. or until supplies run out. Bring your own containers for flushing water.

• Pack Square Park, 70 Court Plaza        
• Sky Lanes Bowling, 1477 Patton Ave.
• Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
• 980 Brevard Rd
• 85 Tunnel Rd

Practice Mindfulness

Stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, especially in a situation like this. Mindfulness practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or even a few minutes of quiet reflection can help calm the mind and provide some relief from the emotional strain.

Ask for Help

If the stress of the situation is becoming too much to bear, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Ritual Recovery, we offer a range of services designed to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges in the wake of traumatic events.

Moving Forward Together

While some areas of Asheville still lack power, the good news is that significant progress is being made every day. The community has shown incredible resilience and solidarity in the face of this crisis, with neighbors helping one another and local businesses stepping up to provide aid. The road to full recovery may be long, but together, we are moving forward.

At Ritual Recovery, we are committed to supporting the Asheville community during this time of healing and rebuilding. Whether you are struggling with the emotional toll of the storm, the challenges of recovery, or the ongoing power outages, we are here to help. Our holistic approach to recovery focuses not only on physical well-being but also on mental and emotional health, providing the tools and support necessary to rebuild your life after trauma. If you or someone you know needs assistance, visit Ritual Recovery or contact us today. We are here to walk with you on the path to recovery, offering hope and healing as we all work together to rebuild our community.