Heavy Flooding Forces Mandatory Evacuations in Buncombe County Amid Rising River Levels

Heavy Flooding in Buncombe County and Surrounding Areas

Asheville, NC – The picturesque landscapes of Buncombe County and surrounding areas in Western North Carolina are currently facing a challenging situation as flooding takes center stage following the recent impact of Hurricane Helene, which has now been downgraded to a tropical storm. The heavy rains and rising waters have led local authorities to issue mandatory evacuation orders for affected areas.

Rivers Overflowing

In a bulletin released at 12:30 p.m., officials in Buncombe County reported that rivers are still rising and have not yet reached their peak levels. The county is urging residents to seek higher ground or remain sheltered in place. If you live in a flood-prone area, it’s advised not to drive unless you are heading to a safer location.

As of the early morning hours, river gauges from NOAA and USGS showed that the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers are at concerning levels. The flood stage for these rivers begins at 9.5 feet, and as of 7:45 a.m., the French Broad River in Asheville was registered at 13.75 feet, with projections estimating it could peak at an alarming 21 feet by this evening.

Current Measurements of Concern

• French Broad at Asheville: 13.75 feet, predicted to peak at 21 feet at 8 p.m.
• French Broad at Fletcher: 20.35 feet, predicted to peak at a record-breaking 30.5 feet at 8 p.m.
• French Broad River near Marshall: 12.21 feet, predicted to peak at 19 feet at 8 p.m.
• Swannanoa River at Biltmore: 17.72 feet, predicted to peak at 21 feet at 2 p.m.
• French Broad River at Rosman: 13.38 feet at 8:30 a.m.

Evacuation Orders in Place

The escalation of floodwaters has prompted mandatory evacuations in several parts of Buncombe County. In a significant development, conditions at the North Fork Reservoir have led to a situation where waters have overflowed beyond the spillway, resulting in evacuation orders in certain neighborhoods. Notably, an evacuation is in effect for sections of 105 Balsam Road extending south to U.S. 70 in Black Mountain, as the area near Camp Ridgecrest for Girls faces acute flooding challenges.

As of yesterday, McDowell County Emergency Services have been proactive by issuing alerts to residents living near creeks, rivers, and streams that are susceptible to flash flooding, encouraging them to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, in Haywood County, authorities have warned residents to treat all county roads as closed until further notice due to unsafe conditions caused by flooding.

A Community Response

As the water levels continue to rise, community members are banding together, ensuring that they stay informed and are prepared to act. The local authorities are working diligently to keep everyone updated on the evolving situation, making it crucial for residents to stay tuned for the latest advisories and alerts.

Please remember to take all safety precautions seriously and to look out for your neighbors during this uncertain time. Sharing resources and information can make a real difference in ensuring everyone remains safe.

We’ll keep you updated with any new developments regarding the heavy flooding across Buncombe County and other impacted areas.