Severe Weather Warnings for Buncombe County as Storm Helene Approaches
As the winds start to pick up and the rain begins to intensify, Buncombe County residents are bracing themselves for a challenging night ahead. Local leaders are urging those living near the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, particularly in the Fletcher and Biltmore Village areas, to self-evacuate as the rivers are set to crest overnight into Saturday morning.
A Historical Flooding Event on the Horizon
In a press conference on Thursday morning, county officials shared alarming news about the potential for flooding reminiscent of the 1916 flood. As water levels continue to rise, they are advising anyone in these areas to take serious precautions and prepare to evacuate immediately. Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder stated, “It’s not common for the National Weather Service to use words like ‘catastrophic’ to describe forecasts. When they do that, we should all take heed.” It’s indeed a serious situation.
According to Taylor Jones, Buncombe County’s director of emergency services, the area has already received over 7.74 inches of rain as of Thursday morning, and folks should brace themselves for an additional 4-7 inches before the evening is over. The storm, named Helene, has the potential to deliver between 9-14 inches of rain in the next 48 hours, which is historic and quite concerning for our community.
Weather Conditions and Safety Precautions
The storm’s winds are not to be taken lightly either, with forecasts predicting gusts could reach up to 64 mph. The strongest winds are expected to hit post 10 PM Thursday night, adding to the volatility of the situation. The French Broad River was already in minor flood stage at nearly 10 feet and is expected to rise to moderate flood levels of about 15.5 feet by Friday. Meanwhile, the Swannanoa River, which was also measuring just over 10 feet, could similarly swell to a moderate stage.
For those needing shelter, Buncombe County has opened an emergency shelter at Swannanoa Baptist Church, and another will be available at Trinity Baptist Church after 3 PM on Thursday. Additionally, Code Purple Shelter is open to meet the needs of the unhoused community during this challenging time.
Emergency Services Prepared for Action
Emergency services are on high alert, having already responded to multiple calls. On Wednesday night alone, they completed 18 calls and transported 11 individuals to neighboring hospitals. Jones noted that water rescues have already taken place, but he emphasized that the community should avoid putting the emergency crews to work unnecessarily. He pleaded, “Stay home and stay off the roads.”
Given the saturated ground, the risk of mudslides is also another concern everyone should consider. Jones strongly advised, “If you are in a low-lying area along the river, leave. I can’t iterate this enough. If you’re in an area that has a past history of flooding, it will flood during this storm.” It’s crucial for residents to be aware that this storm could bring deadly consequences if not taken seriously.
Preparations and Community Support
County officials are calling for everyone to be prepared. It’s a good idea to have at least three days’ worth of water and food ready, just in case the power goes out. “This storm is on track to happen and could be a potential historic event,” Jones said. Community safety is on everyone’s mind, and leaders are making sure residents are prepared for every twist and turn this storm might bring.
As those storm clouds loom, it’s clear that Buncombe County is taking every precaution possible to keep its residents safe. If you live in the impacted areas, now is the time to act. Stay informed, stay safe, and take care of each other.
