ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Western North Carolina residents woke Friday morning to a flurry of Flash Flood warnings as rain bands from Hurricane Helene continued to dump inches of water in the area.
BUNCOMBE COUNTY
CLICK HERE to watch Buncombe County’s Friday morning press conference with storm updates.
At 8:23 a.m. Buncombe County Government posted the following on social media: EMERGENCY- SEEK HIGHER GROUND AND SHELTER IN PLACE – DO NOT TRAVEL
Emergency services prioritizing life safety missions
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The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Warning for the east-central portion of Buncombe County. The warning is in effect until 1:15 p.m.
At 530 a.m., Buncombe County Emergency Management reported significant flows coming from the North Fork Reservoir on the North Fork Swannanoa River because of the excessive rainfall observed since last Wednesday. Additional significant flows are originating from the headwaters of the Swannanoa River near and above Montreat and Black Mountain as well as other tributaries of the Swannanoa River. Rapid rises are imminent along the Swannanoa River. Prepare nowW and heed all evacuation and other guidance from Buncombe County and local law enforcement.
Additional torrential rainfall is imminent for the North Fork Swannanoa River and the Swannanoa River Valley, which will significantly exacerbate developing major flood conditions, leading to the potentially historic rainfall anticipated.
This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Swannanoa River Valley below North Fork Reservoir. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!
Shelter is available at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville (87 Haywood St., Asheville). Explore Asheville has worked with local hotels to make rooms available for residents who are seeking shelter from the storm. Contact your local hotel for more information.
A sheltering location is also open at the WNC Agricultural Center.
HENDERSON COUNTY
A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 2:30 p.m.
At 6:29 a.m., emergency management reported extensive significant life-threatening flooding across the warned area. Numerous road closures, multiple strandings and water rescues were reported recently. In many locations, up to 11 inches of rain have fallen in the last 12 to 24 hours, and an additional swath of heavy rainfall is arriving from the south. This will result in imminent catastrophic flooding in the warned area.
This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Henderson, Polk and Rutherford counties. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!
Henderson County Chief Communications Officer Mike Morgan said about 5 a.m., wind speeds had started picking up.
“We are seeing more and trees and power lines down. We expect heavy rains and winds to really pick up steam in next few hours with chance of 60 MPH wind gusts,” Morgan said via email.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ALERTS
HAYWOOD COUNTY
A Flash Flood Emergency has been declared for Haywood Count. Residents should seek higher ground immediately.
At 4:09 a.m., emergency management reported numerous road closures, ongoing water rescues, and flooded homes across Haywood County, the alert said. Ongoing rainfall is contributing to swiftly rising stream levels, increasing significant flood risk, and increasing risk of life-threatening landslides. Between 6 and 10 inches of rain have already fallen and additional heavy rainfall is imminent.
“This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for across Haywood County. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!”
The statement from weather officials warned of life-threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses; life-threatening inundation of homes and businesses; damage to roadways and infrastructure; sudden stream rises and life-threatening landslide activity.
If you are in the warned area, you should not travel, except to move away from flash flood or landslide dangers. If you are in the vicinity of a stream near the heavy rainfall, especially on a mountainside or at the base of a mountain or in a cove, move immediately to a safer location.
EVACUATION is underway in Cruso, Clyde, Canton and low-lying areas in Waynesville.
Evacuate now if you live on Ruby Ben Lane to the old gym and Hyder Mountain to Richland Creek!
The siren in Clyde has been activated. The Pigeon River has left its bank on Thickety Road near Thompson Cove. Both roads are closed at this time.
The Fines Creek Community Center, 190 Fines Creek Road in Clyde, has opened its doors as a welcome center where people can shelter from the rain, recharge and relax.
MITCHELL AND AVERY COUNTIES
Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 2:30 p.m.
At 546 a.m., emergency management reported catastrophic flooding across parts of Mitchell and Avery County, especially Bakersville and the surrounding areas. Widespread heavy rainfall in excess of 7 to 10 inches has resulted in numerous road closures, flooded bridges, inundated and damaged structures, and ongoing water rescues across both counties. Mitchell County emergency management reported that there is a shelter for those displaced by flooding located at Mitchell High School at 416 Ledger School Road.
This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for across Mitchell and Avery counties. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!
RUTHERFORD COUNTY
At 6:07 a.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 5 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 2 to 3 inches in 1 hour. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
MCDOWELL COUNTY
A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Bungalow Drive off of Garden Creek Road in Marion. Move to higher ground immediately! The alert says Bungalow Drive is in imminent danger of being surrounded by the Catawba River.
An emergency shelter is currently open at Glenwood Baptist Church located at 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Road in Marion.
A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 2:30 p.m.
At 6:37 a.m., emergency management reported extensive significant life-threatening flooding across the Burke and McDowell area. Numerous road closures were reported recently. In many locations, 7 to 10 inches of rain have fallen in the last 12 to 24 hours, and an additional swath of heavy rainfall is arriving from the south. This will result in imminent catastrophic flooding in the warned area.
SWAIN, GRAHAM COUNTIES
A Flash Flood Warning is in effect until 9:45 a.m.
At 640 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated increasing rainfall rates, with 1 to 2 inches per hour expected. Many locations had already received 6 to 8 inches of rain over the last 24 hours, saturating the ground and priming things for the next round. Significant flooding appears likely, resulting in road closures, first-floor inundation and damage to some structures. The risk of life-threatening landslide activity continues to increase.
YANCEY COUNTY
Authorities are asking residents to shelter in place and only leave home if it is a life-threatening emergency.
CLICK HERE to view the state’s website with evacuation orders.