ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The National Weather Service described the rain and storms that started yesterday as a “major rainfall event” with the potential for “widespread to catastrophic flooding.”
By 5 p.m. Friday, more than 12,300 Duke Energy customers in North Carolina were without electricity, some 295 Haywood Electric Membership Corporation customers were powerless and about 40 Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation customers were without electricity.
With the rain only expected to intensify as Hurricane Helenen makes landfall and begins a trek toward Western North Carolina, those numbers are expected to increase.
Here are some tips:
Outline a communications and evacuation plan for your family before a hurricane or storm warning is issued to minimize confusion and fear. If you have pets or livestock, include them in your plan.
Create an emergency kit that includes:
- Important documents sealed in a watertight plastic bag
- Cash
- Three days’ worth of non-perishable food, water and medication
- First-aid kit
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Personal hygiene items
- Extra clothes and blankets
- Food and other supplies for pets
Sign up for local weather alerts and warnings.