ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The city of Asheville is urging residents to park off streets and take advantage of free city parking as winter weather moves in this weekend.

City officials said all city-owned parking garages will be open free of charge beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, to give snow plows and treatment vehicles clear access to the roads.

Residents should avoid unnecessary travel during the storm and move vehicles off roadways by Friday evening, a city spokesperson said. This helps crews clear snow and ice more efficiently and keeps streets safer for everyone.

Public Works crews will begin 24/7 operations Friday morning, with additional equipment and staffing pre-positioned to respond quickly to snow and ice. Officials stressed that keeping cars off the streets is critical to allow plows to operate safely.

For real-time updates on parking availability, click here.