Historic Flooding Strikes Biltmore Village in Asheville as Hurricane Helene Makes Its Impact
Asheville, a beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is currently grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. On September 27, Buncombe County officials advised residents to evacuate Biltmore Village, a charming area known for its historic buildings and lovely shops, as the storm approached. Since then, the region has become the scene of an unprecedented natural event, resulting in significant flooding and extensive disruption.
Flood Levels Reach New Heights
As the storm made landfall, it brought with it relentless rain, causing the Swannanoa River to swell alarmingly. By 3:45 PM on September 27, the river had crested at a staggering 26.1 feet, nearly 6 feet above its previous record. This overwhelming surge of water has led to major flooding, with many areas now submerged. As of late evening on September 27, conditions had improved slightly, with the river level dropping to 20.9 feet—still far above the 18 feet mark that indicates major flooding.
Evacuations and Shelters
For residents who heeded the evacuation orders, shelters have been set up at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and the WNC Agricultural Center. Buncombe County officials are especially encouraging those with pets to head to the WNC Ag Center, while others are directed to A-B Tech. It’s crucial for folks to stay informed and seek safe refuge as the heavy rains persist.
Transportation Challenges
Travel has become quite hazardous in Western North Carolina, with numerous roads closed due to floods, fallen trees, and mudslides. Officials from the North Carolina Department of Transportation are advising everyone to avoid traveling unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you’re curious about road closures, you can check out a comprehensive list available on the state’s official driving website.
Power Outages and Communication Woes
The impact of Helene has left its mark far and wide. At the storm’s peak, over 500,000 Duke Energy customers found themselves without power, with more than 200,000 in Buncombe County alone. Thankfully, by the afternoon of September 28, that number decreased to around 100,000. However, many residents are still facing challenges with wireless services being down throughout the region, and there’s uncertainty surrounding when regular service will be restored. Adding to the list of concerns, several neighborhoods are reporting water outages with no estimated timeline for resolution.
Public Safety Measures in Place
As the situation evolves, city officials have instituted a curfew in Asheville, which runs from 7:30 PM to 7:30 AM until at least Sunday, encouraging everyone to stay indoors and maintain safety during these turbulent nights. In better news, both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the North Carolina National Guard have deployed teams to Asheville to assist with rescue operations. A FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team has arrived with an impressive 82 personnel and 19 vehicles to help those in need. Additionally, the National Guard has sent eight personnel and vehicles to provide support.
Looking Ahead
As Helene lingers, officials continue to remind residents of the importance of staying safe and informed. Expect updates on conditions, road closures, and safety protocols as the recovery efforts unfold. If you’re in Asheville or surrounding areas, your well-being is the top priority—stay safe and look out for one another during these challenging times.
We’re all in this together, and while it might be tough right now, community spirit shines brightest in adversity. Keep checking on friends and family, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Stay safe, Asheville!
