It would seem that according to the map Asheville is in zone 1 for earthquakes and not at a high probability risk. When it comes to hailstorms though it is in the highest category; category 6. Zone 2 for tornadoes and zone 1 for extra-tropical storms activity. A zone 1 for wildfire activity risk followed by fewer storms with el nino and more storm activity with el nina. There has been little or no reported change in long temperature change in the area according to the chart map postings of NATHAN. The map I would say fairly well summarizes the natural hazards for the Asheville regional area.

A snowstorm can be a fun and enjoyable event. But not always. Currently there is a snowstorm being reported in the state of Wyoming. Snowstorms can be disastrous and resulting in loss of life. They are a fairly frequent visitor the WNC region around Asheville’s mountainous region. There is nothing we can do to prevent them. However we can prepare for them. Slippery roads causing motor vehicle accidents are problematic during such events. Even with very little or no precipitation there may be what is called “black ice”. Additionally heavy snow that can pile up can break things including rooftops. Ice on power lines can cause heavy weight to accumulate on them and under the stress, break and cause power outages creating heat to fail leading to all kinds of other problematic issues. Animals are also at risk during severe winter weather and are subject to wind chill factors, hypothermia and frostbite. Deaths can also occur due to dehydration, when water sources freeze and become unavailable. Winter conditions may make getting food and water to animals more difficult. Unprotected livestock may also be lost.

Here are a few local resources that help combat the effects of snowstorms in and around Asheville. The Asheville public works snow plowing division services of snow emergency removal include: “snow removal where service is prioritized by major arterioles (first priority),and minor through streets and residential streets (second priority). All city bus routes are first priority streets” http://www.ashevillenc.gov/Departments/StreetServices/StreetMaintenance.aspx. Additionally a map is provided for citizens to view that prioritizes the plowing routes; http://avl.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2d5766235b1c4311801ebde1afd50cd6 . The NC State Disaster Recovery Website provides support to both internal and external forces in responding to and recovering from federally declared and non-declared state disasters. When activated, it conducts the operations out of the State Emergency Operations Center. It is the liaison between NCDOT and other members of the State Emergency Response Team; https://connect.ncdot.gov/resources/Asset-Management/Pages/Disaster.aspx .

No matter the type of natural hazard type of event, there always can be some type of preparedness to deal with the event and or the aftermath of such events. having a wood stove and plenty of available dry wood to burn is a good thing. Having a good pantry supply of food and drinking water is something everyone should have on hand to deal with such occasions. Have a radio and batteries and a flashlight with batteries. Lots of heavy wool blankets if in the wintertime. Shelters are available also for stranded and the homeless and those who have lost there homes. Preparedness is a key factor in dealing with any natural hazard event.