CANTON, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers has two words of advice for Western North Carolina residents bracing for Hurricane Helene — prepare and pray.

Three years ago, the town was swamped by the remnants of Tropical Storm Fred, which sent the Pigeon River well out of its banks and into homes and town streets and businesses.

“We’re prepared as good as we can be,” Smathers said Wednesday afternoon. “We started preparing on Sunday.”

Living in a flood-prone area has its drawbacks, but there is also something to be said for experience.

“We know what can happen. Us in Haywood County and Canton, this not on our first rodeo,” Smathers said. “We’re prepared as best we can be. But if this thing shifts over further west, I’m afraid it’s going to get areas that they’re not taking it as seriously as they should. That’s what I worry about.”

Smathers said officials have made it clear to people what they need to do.

“I hope people realize how severe this storm is,” he said. “If you’re anywhere near water, you need to be very, very careful, make good decisions for your family.”

In the years since Tropical Storm Fred, much of the rubble has been cleared from the Pigeon River.

“A lot of debris has been removed. So, we are encountering this storm with a new river. It’s going to test a lot of what we’ve done. But, I mean, again, when you’re getting upwards of 15 inches, I mean, there’s nothing you can do. So it’s time to get prepared and pray,” Smathers said.

At 5:24 p.m. Wednesday, the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for most of Western North Carolina. Helene is expected to bring “significant flash flooding and strong wind gusts” to the area, the alert said.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LATEST WARNINGS, WATCHES & ADVISORIES

The National Weather Service said two unique rounds of rainfall, one ongoing and continuing through Thursday afternoon resulting from tropical moisture interacting with a stationary front and another beginning Thursday night and lasting through Friday morning associated with Hurricane Helene, are expected to result in significant rises within the Pigeon River watershed.

Major flooding along the east and west forks of the Pigeon River is likely, resulting in Major flooding along the Pigeon River near Canton.

“The Pigeon River is a very flashy watershed and is very sensitive to variations in heavy rainfall. There is a potential for the crest to exceed the current forecast crest. It is absolutely imperative that you maintain awareness of the latest forecasts and plan NOW to respond to the worst-case scenario for your area. This is a rapidly evolving situation,” a statement from the National Weather Service said.

Major flooding is forecast until early Saturday afternoon. At 17.5 feet, several bridges in Canton and Fibreville may be closed. At 18.0 feet, U.S. 19/23 may be flooded and closed in Clyde. Minor Flood Stage is 10.0 feet. Moderate Flood Stage is 15.0 feet. Major Flood Stage is 19.0 feet.

At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, the stage was 6.7 feet, according to the National Weather Service.

Weather officials said the river is expected to rise above flood stage Thursday evening and crest at 19.0 feet early Friday afternoon.

The Pigeon River crested at 19.60 feet on Aug. 18, 2021, during Tropical Cyclone Fred.