ASHEVILLE – As most of the City of Asheville remains without power, a curfew has been announced for the City of Asheville from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. beginning the night of September 27th and until 7:30 a.m. on September 29th. Asheville Police Chief Mike Lamb said during a joint conference with Buncombe County.

“So this will be from dusk until dawn,” Lamb said.

There were over 60 water rescues as a result of flooding from Tropical Storm Helene, Buncombe County Emergency Services Deputy Director Ryan Cole said. Nearly 200 firefighters are actively responding to emergency calls throughout the city, Asheville Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Knighton said during the conference.

With lights out across the city, the curfew is intended to ensure residents don’t wander into rising water when streetlights are broken, Lamb said. In addition, Lamb pointed out that intersections are dangerous for travelers and difficult to navigate at night due to the many traffic lights being turned off.