Brace for Storms, Check Vaccines, Explore Arts & Events in Asheville

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Thursday, January eighth. As you head out the door, keep an eye on the sky and the roads. A major storm system moving across the country is expected to bring periods of heavy rain into the Tennessee Valley and up through our region, which could mean slick conditions and localized flooding later tonight and into tomorrow. That comes on the heels of recent crash backups along I 40 near West Canton and along NC 191 by the I 40 interchange, so give yourself extra time and take it slow on those mountain curves. Health officials in Buncombe County are still closely watching a cluster of measles cases in one local family, linked to a larger outbreak in Spartanburg County. They are urging families to check their vaccination records and reminding folks it is not too late to get caught up on MMR, flu, COVID, and RSV shots. If you are feeling under the weather, the message is simple: stay home, cover those coughs, and wash those hands so schools and workplaces can stay open and hospitals can stay manageable. If you are looking for things to do today, Asheville’s arts and events calendar is packed. Over at the North Carolina Arboretum, the Trolls: A Field Study exhibition continues all day, turning the wooded trails into a whimsical outdoor art hunt for kids and grownups alike. In Biltmore Park, barre3 Asheville is celebrating with a grand opening reception this evening from five to seven, a chance to meet the team, check out the studio, and preview a new fitness option on the south side. Downtown and nearby, you can lean into the creative energy. In the River Arts District, studios are hosting hands on workshops, including glass and furnace themed classes that give you a chance to try your hand at molten art. This evening from five to seven, Artbeat After Hours invites you to watch live painting by artist Elliott From while you sip a drink and browse local work, a low key way to slide out of work mode and into gallery mode. On the business front, the Asheville Chamber is up early with a ribbon cutting at a newly remodeled McDonalds, followed later by a Business After Hours networking event, part of a broader push to connect small businesses as tourism slows in the post holiday lull. Sports fans can still savor last night’s win at Kimmel Arena, where UNC Asheville’s men’s basketball team knocked off Longwood 72 to 61, led by Kameron Taylor’s 24 points and sharpshooting from DJ Patrick. The Bulldogs hit the road this weekend, but that home court momentum is a good sign for Big South play. And if your perfect Asheville night is live music, the Orange Peel lights up with Charlie Starr on stage tonight, bringing rock and Americana vibes to the South Slope. Expect a lively crowd, so plan your parking and maybe grab dinner nearby before the show. Finally, for those needing a little help at home, Buncombe County’s heating bill assistance program is taking applications all day today, offering support t This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.