Flash Flood Emergency Declared in Buncombe County as Residents Urged to Evacuate

Flash Flood Emergency Declared in Buncombe County

Residents of Buncombe County, brace yourselves. County leaders have officially declared a countywide emergency, urging everyone to stay safe and take immediate action. The heavy rains in recent days have led to catastrophic flooding levels that pose a significant threat to life and safety.

What Should You Do?

If you live in the affected areas, officials are strongly advising you to seek higher ground right away. It’s important that you stay put if you are already in a safe location and absolutely avoid any travel unless it’s necessary. Emergency services are currently prioritizing life safety missions, so they’re working hard to assist those in immediate need.

Mandatory Evacuations in Place

Due to flooding from a dam at the Camp Ridgecrest for Girls, a mandatory evacuation order is now active for residents at 105 Balsam Road, stretching south to Highway 70 in Black Mountain. This is a serious situation, and everyone in that area must evacuate now for their own safety.

Where to Seek Shelter

If you’re unable to evacuate to a safe location, don’t worry; shelters have been set up to help those in need. The WNC Agriculture Center located at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher, NC is now an emergency shelter. Additionally, another shelter is open at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, located at 87 Haywood St. in Asheville.

As you prepare to head to the shelter, remember to bring essential items like medications, important documents, and any personal necessities that will keep you comfortable during your stay.

Transportation Assistance Available

If you cannot evacuate safely on your own, you can obtain transportation assistance by calling 911. Your safety is paramount, and help is available.

Be Cautious and Stay Informed

As you carry out your evacuation, it’s crucial that you avoid flooded roads and areas that are prone to landslides. It’s wise to gather important documents and items that you’ll need during your time at a shelter or any safe location. Also, stay updated on the situation by following local news outlets, radio stations, or official social media channels for continual updates.

Resources for Residents

For the latest information regarding evacuations, road closures, and shelter updates, you can visit www.buncombeready.org. The ongoing storms have resulted in substantial flooding, leading to reported damage to infrastructure and affecting many homes and businesses. Emergency managers are urging residents in low-lying areas to get to higher ground immediately.

According to the National Weather Service, Buncombe County is experiencing major and potentially historic flash flooding, with conditions intensifying compared to events seen in September 2004. The swift and heavy rainfall has resulted in significant water flow from local reservoirs and tributaries, threatening to result in life-threatening situations.

Please take this emergency seriously! It is vital to follow evacuation and safety guidelines issued by local authorities to ensure your safety and that of your family. Everyone needs to stay alert and act quickly in these challenging times.

Final Thoughts

Remember, helping yourself and your family should be your top priority. Stay connected with your community, support one another, and ensure that everyone is safe during this difficult period in Buncombe County.