Hurricane Helene Approaches Western North Carolina: Residents Urged to Evacuate and Stay Safe

Hurricane Helene Approaches Western North Carolina: Stay Safe, Residents!

As the winds howl and the skies darken, folks in Asheville, North Carolina are bracing for Hurricane Helene, which has just made landfall in Florida. According to local reports, Helene is set to impact Western North Carolina with heavy rain and potential flooding that may start tonight and continue into tomorrow morning. Residents are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions and to seek higher ground if they are in flood-prone areas.

Evacuations and Shelters Opened!

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is sounding the alarm about significant flooding expected along the French Broad River Valley. If you live in Etowah, Mills River, or Fletcher, it’s time to start thinking about evacuating as the river is likely to rise rapidly. There are about 15,000 residents who might be affected in Buncombe County alone. Emergency shelters have been set up for those who need refuge, with locations including First Baptist Church in Swannanoa and Trinity Baptist Church in West Asheville.

In Haywood County, an emergency shelter is open at the Armory located at 235 Armory Drive in Clyde. If you or someone you know needs a safe place to stay, feel free to head over. Just remember to grab your necessary medications and any medical equipment you may need. And if you’re bringing your furry friend, let the shelter know!

Flood Warnings and Weather Effects

Officials are calling for residents along the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, especially in the Fletcher and Biltmore Village areas, to self-evacuate before the rivers are expected to crest overnight Friday into Saturday morning. The flooding is predicted to reach levels that could rival what was seen back in 1916.

The city of Hendersonville has declared a Flood ResponsePlan Level 3, indicating that major flooding is already in effect. Roads are being closed around the area, including parts of Greenville Highway near local businesses. If you’re in the floodway or floodplain, take a moment to review the emergency preparedness information available.

Prepare for the Worst!

As we head into the evening, winds and rain are expected to pick up as Helene approaches. Strong gusts and heavy rainfall will continue through Friday morning. As of this morning, many residents across the mountain areas faced power outages, with thousands reported without electricity. In Henderson County alone, over 1,174 homes were affected, while Buncombe County saw more than 780 outages. It’s a good idea to prepare for potential power losses and stock up on essentials, just in case.

Community Support and Resources

The local government is doing its best to support residents during this tough time. Emergency management teams are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared for any potential evacuations that may be needed. Authorities have been proactive, urging everyone to stay informed and keep an eye on weather updates as conditions develop. Remember to take care of each other, look out for neighbors, especially the elderly, and support one another as we navigate through these stormy times.

Final Thoughts

As we gear up for Hurricane Helene, let’s keep safety in mind. If you’re somewhere that could be affected by flooding, please consider your options for getting to higher ground. This storm is expected to bring serious weather conditions, and we all need to be vigilant. Stay safe, Asheville, and let’s take care of one another out there!