ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Haywood County residents should seek higher ground immediately, the National Weather Service said in a statement issued at 4:15 a.m.
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.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include Waynesville, Cherokee, Canton, Lake Junaluska, Clyde, Maggie Valley, Smoky Mountains-Cataloochee, Blue Ridge Parkway-Balsam Gap to Black Balsam Area, Blue Ridge Parkway-Smoky Mountains to Balsam Gap, Black Balsam Area, Smoky Mountains-Big Creek, Smoky Mountains-Balsam Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway-Black Balsam tMount Pisgah, Graveyard Fields, Mount Pisgah, Cove Creek, Fines Creek, Sunburst, Cruso and Waterville.
“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order,” the statement said.
Heavy rain significantly increases the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides have occurred in the past. Slides can destroy homes and other structures and large sections of roads.
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.