It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Hyman Heights-Mount Royal Historic District gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Hendersonville, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here,”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
“Wonderful service, very helpful, great communication.”
“All their caregivers are nice, show up, rarely late, and very helpful and kind. They are reliable, and the caregivers are sweet and attentive.”
“I am a current client of this provider They give me the peace of mind. They are always able to be reached and are willing to work with you.”
“My husband has dementia. They have helped me continue to work and feel comfortable in knowing my husband is safe with excellent care. The office listens, really hears and is helpful to support and meet needs. Our caregiver, Chip, has become family. He was very personable, attentive to needs, brings extra in music, stories, making sure to pay attention to the patient and give accordingly. He is always kind and gracious. We are blessed to have them.”
“Very great place to work! The staff is very supportive!”
“This place is absolutely amazing to work for!! The office team is so welcoming and helpful anytime I call or come in, and my clients are wonderful! It’s more like helping a friend all day instead of working like clockwork!”
“They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“The most caring compassionate place i have ever been to”
“Outstanding care and compassion for both clients and employees”
“They really appreciate to have their employees there . And that makes me feel happy just being in there in their organization .. my google is under Stephanie young but my last name is now Duarte . Young was my married name , I’m divorced now”
“I went for my interview there a week ago and the staff were so nice and welcoming. I’m excited to join the team and see the great things they have in store.”
“I am a current client of this provider It could just be his cooperation or lack thereof. It is regarding his cooperation regarding the service. He tends to not wake the caregiver for assistance during the night time. I would give specific names of individuals in this organization that I would request over others.”
“I am a current client of this provider They do what I ask them to do which makes my life easier. They are always on time and they always finish the job during the day.”
“I am Kathryn Merrell and for the past several months I have been under the care of ABC Senior Services. I have had the privilege of enjoying the care of Lois C. She is the best advertisement for your agency. When I am asked, which happens frequently, about my experience with ABC, I refer to Lois as being your prime example of the type of care they can expect from you. She goes beyond just basic care and does all she can to help remedy any problem we have. I love that I can trust her and feel safe having her share my home with me. She is very professional yet very "down home", a rare combination. You should be very thankful she is on your "team"! Because of her, I have no problem recommending your company to all who ask.”
“I am a current client of this provider She does whatever is needed without being asked. I have had a couple of very good people, one of which I have now. When I was getting going with them, I had a couple of people I would never like to have again, but that has all been ironed out.”
“I am a current client of this provider Just being here and making meals is great. But they could be more proactive. They need to be better at communicating.”
“As a caregiver I am so pleased with the care for the clients. I've never worked for a company that was so dedicated to clients and caregivers. Everyone is always happy, clients and staff. I am blessed to work here.”
“I would recommend them because they provide good services. I've been down on my health, so it's been a blessing to have them taking care of him for me. I appreciate that the caregivers are friendly.”
“They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do. They've helped the most just by being here.”
“I am a current client of this provider They've helped the most just by being here, and doing what they're supposed to. They're very prompt about coming when they're supposed to and they do what we need them to do.”
“I have honestly never met a group of people who care as much as the Always Best Care team. I have watched the staff there change lives for the better, not only for clients but each other as well. It is a pleasure to be a part of this team, nothing compares to it!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Patton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Postero or visit Lennox Park Historic District, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Hendersonville, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Hendersonville, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Hendersonville, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Here are snowfall totals through Saturday morning, Jan. 11, across Western North Carolina from the ...
Here are snowfall totals through Saturday morning, Jan. 11, across Western North Carolina from the winter storm that reached the area Friday, Jan. 10, according to the National Weather Service.
Todd Runkle is the Carolinas Connect editor and also a trending news editor for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected].
The winter storm Western North Carolina residents prepared for this week has passed most of the region, leaving behind snow and ice. A winter storm warning was extended from 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, to noon Saturday.National Weather Service meteorologists told the Citizen Times that there are still some snow showers affecting areas near the Tennessee border, but the storm has left Asheville and surrounding areas as of the morning of Jan. 11.Here's what we know about its effects.Black ice warning...
The winter storm Western North Carolina residents prepared for this week has passed most of the region, leaving behind snow and ice. A winter storm warning was extended from 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, to noon Saturday.
National Weather Service meteorologists told the Citizen Times that there are still some snow showers affecting areas near the Tennessee border, but the storm has left Asheville and surrounding areas as of the morning of Jan. 11.
Here's what we know about its effects.
An alert issued by the NWS at 3:57 a.m. Jan. 11 warned of "slick roads and areas of black ice" in Buncombe County and a large number of other WNC counties. Bridges and sheltered locations may still be hazardous spots, even as weather warms. The high temperature for Jan. 11 is 32 degrees. Temperatures Sunday, Jan. 12, will be warmer, with a high of 42 degrees and sunny weather.
In total, Asheville got around 1.5-2 inches of snow and sleet during the storm. The same goes for many nearby areas, including Black Mountain and Swannanoa. These numbers line up with NWS predictions.
More:Asheville traffic cameras: See conditions, snow accumulations across the city, Western NC
NWS Meteorologist Chris Horne said that snowfall in Hendersonville was similar to Asheville.
"There were a couple totals that were a little higher in parts of the southwest side of Hendersonville. We had an observation close to two and a half inches, but it was roughly the same."
NWS meteorologists warned of potential outages during the storm. Trees weakened by Helene and weighed down by snow and ice was a primary concern, as branches could fall and damage power lines.
Luckily for WNC residents, there have been no widespread power outages as of the morning of Jan. 11.
More:Western North Carolina snowstorm eases, and ski areas are open: Where to go
Horne told the Citizen Times that 4-4.5 inches of snow accumulation was the highest amount measured by the NWS in WNC after the storm. These amounts were primarily reported in Mitchell and Avery Counties. He added that there may be unrecorded higher amounts in higher elevations.
"Some of the highest mountains, like maybe in Swain County and the Smokies or parts of Haywood County in the Balsams, it's definitely feasible that there could be some pretty high totals up there," Horne said.
The status of roads for the Monday morning commute is still up in the air, according to Horne, and may vary based on area.
"Tomorrow the sun will be back out again," Horne said. "Between the two days and what melting may occur, it's feasible that there could be a secondary road in the shade that might still have a patch of ice on it, but pretty speculative, it's hard to say for sure."
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
A snowstorm is headed toward Western North Carolina today, Friday, Jan. 10, bringing ice hazards and several inches of precipitation to most of the region.The most recent hazard alert issued by the National Weather Service for WNC was a winter storm warning posted at 4:05 a.m. Jan. 10 confirming that it is in effect from 7 a.m. Friday-7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. ...
A snowstorm is headed toward Western North Carolina today, Friday, Jan. 10, bringing ice hazards and several inches of precipitation to most of the region.
The most recent hazard alert issued by the National Weather Service for WNC was a winter storm warning posted at 4:05 a.m. Jan. 10 confirming that it is in effect from 7 a.m. Friday-7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11. The alert applies to a portion of WNC including Buncombe and Henderson Counties. It calls for "heavy mixed precipitation," with total snow and sleet accumulations between 2-8 inches and ice accumulations around 0.1 inch.
The alert also warns of "treacherous and impassable" roads, as well as potential isolated outages due to the weight of snow and ice on tree limbs and power lines. Friday morning and evening commutes may be affected.
NWS meteorologists provided more information to the Citizen Times. Here's what we know.
NWS Meteorologist Clay Chaney told the Citizen Times that snowfall is expected to begin this morning around 10 a.m. in the southwest, spreading across the state.
"It'll just spread northeast from there," Chaney said. "So we expect the mountains will likely be seeing snow from Asheville southwest, probably by about 1 p.m., and then the northern mountains will start to pick up the next couple hours after that."
Chaney said that slick, "treacherous" road conditions are a big concern in Asheville and most of WNC during this storm due to the nature of the precipitation.
"There may be a little bit of freezing rain that also develops at some point this evening or over early overnight," Chaney said. "So there could be a little bit of additional ice, maybe a couple of hundreds of an inch of ice, that could be enough to cause slick roads on its own, given how cold it's going to be."
Additionally, low temperatures will make precipitation on roads more likely to refreeze despite road treatments, prolonging these hazards.
"The temperatures probably are going to only barely get above freezing today, if at all," Chaney said. "So the road conditions probably will get bad. It will be a temperature where we would expect treatment. If they salt the roads, that treatment might work, but with it getting colder again tonight, anything that melts today could freeze over again tonight.
More:Western NC snow: Closures, cancellations, postponements
Currently, about 2.5 inches of total accumulation including sleet and snow is expected in Asheville. Asheville is one of the WNC areas that is also expected to see some sleet mixed into the snowfall.
"It'll probably begin as all snow, and then especially over the Smokies, and then over toward Asheville, and maybe Marion, those areas probably will see the snow change over to sleet for a time, and that changeover probably will occur by about 4 or 5 p.m.," Chaney said. "Then It probably will change back to all snow around maybe 10 p.m. to midnight, and then after that, it'll begin to taper off."
In Hendersonville, 3 inches of total accumulation is expected. Like Asheville, Hendersonville may some sleet mixed into snowfall.
More:How to drive in the snow: Tips for safe driving in inclement weather
Like the rest of the forecast, this may vary. Chaney said that in most areas of WNC, residents will see the snow taper off by about 4 a.m.
"Areas right along the Tennessee border probably will continue to see some snow until the middle of the day tomorrow," Chaney said. "That probably won't be very significant on top of what they will have already gotten, but they could see at least flurries and maybe some very light accumulation continue until the middle of the day, Saturday."
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service at 2:13 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, provided further insight on the storm expected to sweep through Western North Carolina beginning on Friday, Jan. 10.The warning, in effect from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, applied to a long list of counties and areas in WNC as well as portions ...
A winter storm warning issued by the National Weather Service at 2:13 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9, provided further insight on the storm expected to sweep through Western North Carolina beginning on Friday, Jan. 10.
The warning, in effect from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, applied to a long list of counties and areas in WNC as well as portions of northeast Georgia, Upstate South Carolina and the N.C. Piedmont.
Impacts included accumulation of snow and ice, which will make many roads "treacherous and impassable." The weight of this snow and ice may also cause scattered power outages as it accumulates on tree limbs and power lines.
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Though forecasts are constantly developing, NWS meteorologists were able to add some additional information on what is currently expected. Here's what we know.
More: Are you ready for snow? Here's how to prepare for getting snowed in
The general winter storm warning issued by the NWS warned of heavy mixed precipitation possible, varying in type based on region.
Mainly snow is expected across the mountains, where total snow and sleet accumulations of 2-8 inches and ice accumulations of 0.2 inch are possible.
According to NWS forecasts, there is an 80% chance of snow in the Asheville area beginning on Friday, with less than an inch of accumulation possible during the day.
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On Friday night, there is a 90% chance of precipitation. Snow will continue with the potential for mixed sleet until 8 p.m. at which point only snow is expected. New snow and sleet accumulation of around an inch is possible.
NWS Meteorologist Trisha Palmer told the Citizen Times that meteorologists are still looking into whether warmer air may mix in with the storm, causing sleet and other precipitation.
"We're trying to figure out if we might be seeing some freezing rain that might mix in as well, and that'll end up bringing some of the snowfall totals down if it does," Palmer said.
Precipitation amounts in Hendersonville are predicted to be slightly higher. Palmer said that, as Asheville is in a "rain shadow," there can be slight differences in precipitation amounts even though the cities are close together.
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"There might be a slight difference, but it's going to be very close."
NWS forecasts call for a 90% chance of precipitation on Friday, with snow before 5 p.m., then snow potentially mixed with sleet. During the day, between 1-2 inches of snow and sleet is expected.
On Friday night, the chance of precipitation raises to 100%, with snow and sleet expected, returning to only snow expected after 10 p.m. New snow and sleet accumulation of 1-3 inches is possible overnight.
Palmer said that the NWS cannot speak to de-icing operations and other measures that may be taken by airports to mediate the effects of winter weather. However, she was able to say that lower visibility and lower ceilings moving in could cause flight issues.
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"The more severe restrictions would come in after that 24 hour period, so later in the afternoon," Palmer said. "So yes, there would certainly be more significant restrictions flying in ice and snow. Especially ice is certainly an issue for pilots, because it would weigh down the airplane."
Check the status of Asheville Airport flights at FlyAVL.com before departing.
More: Helene recovery: Winter storm precautions, solid waste removal issues, more
Palmer said that many trees in affected areas were weakened by Tropical Storm Helene, and are therefore more likely to cause outages with fallen limbs despite measures taken by power companies to avoid these issues.
"They do a really good job of trying to get the limbs back from the power lines," Palmer said. "But this fall, as we all well know, it was a horrific time for everybody, and there's just a lot of trees that are very weak."
Certain areas are more likely to be affected; Palmer added that further north, where more snow and less sleet and freezing rain are expected, there will likely be less impact.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Winter storm warning for Western NC: Snowfall forecast for Friday
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The National Weather Service is able to provide more information daily on the upcoming winter storm as the system gets closer to Western North Carolina.A system of wintry weather is headed to WNC on Friday, Jan. 10. It may bring a variety of hazards - but meteorologists had good news for the Citizen Times as of Jan. 8."We are planning on it just being all snow North Carolina mountains," said NWS Meteorologist Chris Horne, based in Greer, South Carolina.Previous forecasts showed uncertainty as to ...
The National Weather Service is able to provide more information daily on the upcoming winter storm as the system gets closer to Western North Carolina.
A system of wintry weather is headed to WNC on Friday, Jan. 10. It may bring a variety of hazards - but meteorologists had good news for the Citizen Times as of Jan. 8.
"We are planning on it just being all snow North Carolina mountains," said NWS Meteorologist Chris Horne, based in Greer, South Carolina.
Previous forecasts showed uncertainty as to the nature of the precipitation, with potential for sleet, freezing rain and ice hazards. Here's what else we know.
Horne said that snow chances are becoming definite in WNC and Asheville as Friday wears on, especially Friday afternoon. The NWS is expecting 3-4 inches in much of Asheville and Hendersonville.
"That continues into the Friday night period, but wrapping up pretty quickly by daybreak on Saturday," Horne said.
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The winter weather is expected to affect all of WNC - but Horne said that some areas likely will see more than others.
"The further west of Asheville that you get during this event, because it's coming from the southwest, those are where the heavier amounts will be, you can see some of the valleys, like Franklin to Cullowhee, you may get 4 or 5 inches," Horne said.
Higher elevations in isolated spots including areas above Highlands, along the Smoky Mountains and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway could get closer to 6-8 inches.
While Horne said that the N.C. mountains are now expected to see only snow, hazard alerts still remain for the area.
A hazardous weather outlook issued at 6:08 a.m. on Jan. 8 called for wintry precipitation developing across much of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia Friday afternoon through early Saturday. The outlook said that "significant accumulations are possible" throughout the regions.
Buncombe, Transylvania and Henderson counties are included in the hazard alert
On Friday, snow is likely mainly after 4 p.m. according to the NWS website. As of Jan. 8, the chance of precipitation is 60%. Weather will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. Calm wind will become south southeast 5-7 mph in the afternoon.
On Friday night, the chance of precipitation rises to 90%, with snow mainly before 5 a.m. and a low around 26.
On Saturday, a 30% chance of snow remains before 7 a.m. Weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 34. Saturday night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 16.
By Sunday, weather will be clear, with a high near 43 during the day and a low of around 20 Sunday night.
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].
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