Catastrophic Flooding Across WNC
EMERGENCY – SEEK HIGHER GROUND AND SHELTER IN PLACE
Effective immediately, no one should be traveling on any roads for the next 12 hours.
Due to severe weather, most roads in WNC are impassable, and conditions are rapidly deteriorating. All travel is strongly discouraged. Emergency resources are stretched thin, and most businesses are closed.
If you attempt to travel, you are putting yourself and others at serious risk. Rescue services are becoming overwhelmed and may be significantly delayed or unable to respond in the event of an emergency.
All residents are urged to stay home. All City of Asheville offices are closed. The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed.
Do not attempt to drive around roadblocks or barricades. These are in place for your safety, and disregarding them not only endangers your life but also hampers the efforts of our emergency teams. If you come across a flooded road, Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Transit service has been suspended for the rest of the day today. Transit drivers are supporting evacuation efforts. Service will tentatively begin at 10 a.m. tomorrow morning. Service levels will be dependent on weather and road conditions.
Do not call 9-1-1 to report storm damage or power outages. Keep lines open so operators can help people in danger. Call 9-1-1 if you have a life-threatening emergency and need assistance. To report Power outages call French Board EMC at 828-649-2051, or if you have Duke power call 1-800-419-6356.
North Carolina Emergency Management says, “The priority now is saving lives.”
EMERGENCIA BUSQUE TERRENO MÁS ALTO Y REFUGÍESE EN EL LUGAR – NO VIAJE
Servicios de emergencia que priorizan las misiones de seguridad humana.
Emergency Shelters
For those unable to evacuate to a safe location, the following emergency shelters have been established.
Update: All the people from the shelter at Harrah’s Cherokee Center in Asheville were moved to the Ag Center.
A general shelter has been opened at A-B Tech/Mission Health Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive (turn off of Victoria Road at the light by the Smith McDowell House). You must bring bedding and any other items required for comfort. No supplies are provided. Pets are not allowed.
A shelter for people with medical needs is located in A-B Tech’s Ferguson Center for Allied Health & Workforce Development at 10 Genevieve Circle and Victoria Road (across from the entrance to the Mission Health Emergency Department).
– The WNC Agriculture Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC. Update: The shelter was at capacity as of September 29, 2024.
– The Madison County Schools Wellness Center, 5734 US 25-70 Hwy, Marshall, NC.
– Jackson County Department on Aging, 100 County Services Road, Sylva, NC.
– Cashiers Rec Center, 355 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, NC.
Additional information on shelters can be found at 828newsnow.com/news/228822-hurricane-helene-storm-updates-shelter-info-more.
Please bring essential items such as medications, important documents, and personal necessities.
Emergency Update: September 27, 2024
Evacuation Precautions
– Avoid flooded roads and areas prone to landslides during your evacuation.
– Immediately gather important documents and items needed to make yourself and your family comfortable at a shelter or other safe space.
– Stay informed by tuning into local news, radio stations, and official social media channels for updates.
Transportation Assistance
If you are unable to evacuate safely, please call 911 for assistance with transportation.
This is one of the worst storms in modern history in western North Carolina. Don’t panic. Due to widespread power outages and flooding, there are communication outages across the mountains and foothills.
Mandatory Evacuation Orders
Flooding is bad everywhere! Asheville, Forks of Ivy, Marshall, Hot Springs, Boone. Do not venture out! Roads are closed, trees are down.
Rutherford County Emergency Management is reporting that catastrophic flows along the Broad River into Lake Lure is overtopping Lake Lure Dam, and the dam is in IMMINENT FAILURE. Residents below the Lake Lure Dam need to evacuate to higher ground immediately! Seek higher ground NOW and obey all evacuation orders to protect your life and the lives of your family.
Buncombe County officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents along the Swannanoa River immediately beginning at the North Fork Reservoir, where waters have gone over the spillway. A mandatory evacuation order is in effect for 105 Balsam Road from the camp south to Highway 70 in Black Mountain.
Individuals between North Fork Road to Old 70, following the Swannanoa River all the way to Biltmore Village should evacuate.
The Shelters at Trinity Baptist Church and Swannanoa First Baptist Church are closed! All individuals that need to access emergency shelter should go the WNC Agriculture Center, Davis Building, Gate 5.
For up-to-date information on the evacuation, road closures, and shelter availability, please visit www.buncombeready.org.
Scenes of flooding in the parks, parking lots, and other areas along the River Arts District.
Buncombe County Emergency Update
County Manager Avril Pinder, Emergency Services Director Taylor, Sheriff Miller, and Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson provide an update on the crisis in Buncombe County.
All roads in Western NC should be considered closed. Do not drive through standing water!
Water rushing along Highway 19, headed into Burnsville, NC.
