(WLOS) — LIVE UPDATES
(8:30 P.M.) - Verizon provides update on outages to News 13.
A spokesperson for Verizon told News 13 via email that for sites that are currently not in service, site assessments and repairs will start when road conditions improve and it is safe to do so.
Verizon did not provide an estimated timeline forsite assessments and repairs.
(8:20 P.M.) - Duke Energy sends anothertext update to customers regarding Helene.
Duke Energy sent the following message to customers:
Crews have uncovered catastrophic damage left behind by Helene, which will require extensive repairs. If you do not yet have an estimated time of restoration, you'll receive an update by mid-day tomorrow, which you can view at duk.us/05. We greatly appreciate your patience.
(7 P.M.) - Verizon releases statement to News 13 regarding cell service outages.
News 13 reached out to Verizon to address the widespread cell service issues in Western North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
A Verizon spokesperson released the following statement:
Hurricane Helene brought massive devastation throughout the area resulting in power outages and fiber damage from high winds, debris and flooding caused by the storm. In the Carolinas, customers are experiencing service impacts from Greenville, SC up through Western North Carolina. Site repairs will begin as soon as it is safe to do so, with Verizon crews working around the clock to restore service as quickly as possible.
Updates regarding the state of Verizon's network can be found here.
News 13 has reached out to city officials and cellular companies for more information.
(6:30 P.M.) - Duke Energy sends text update to customers regarding Helene.
"Helene left catastrophic damage in its wake. Crews are navigating hazardous conditions as they assess damage in impacted communities. Due to the severity of destruction experienced and ongoing flooding challenges, we expect an extended restoration effort. We will be in touch tomorrow with an update. In the meantime, stay alert and follow directions from emergency managers. More info and resources at duk.us/32. Thank you for your patience and stay safe."
(5:45 P.M.) - The City of Hendersonville enacts curfew as part of State of Emergency.
Mayor Barbara Volk has updated the City of Hendersonville's state of Emergency to include a curfew that will take place 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.
(4:30 P.M.) - New curfew in place for Buncombe County and the City of Asheville.
There is now a curfew in place for Buncombe County and the City of Asheville for the next two nights. The curfew will take place from 7 p.m. until 7:30 a.m.
(4 P.M.) - Buncombe County and City of Asheville host a media briefing and answer questions.
(3:45 P.M.) - Lake Lure Dam update.
The Lake Lure Dam wall is holding, but water is flowing over and around it. Highway 64/74 isimpassable at Lattimore Road.
Rutherford County has requested four high-clearance vehicles from the State EOC and is awaiting their arrival.
Residents above Lattimore Road should shelter in place until evacuations can resume.
Text AlertRC to 888777 for updates as they come.
(3:15 P.M.) - Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District asks customers to conserve water.
The Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District is requesting for customers to conserve water over the next several days as repairs are made and water production is restarted.
District customers may experience loss of water flow and pressure while repairs and system adjustments are made.
More information as it becomes available can be found here.
(3:15 P.M.) - Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation says 56,000 of its 75,000 homes and businesses are experiencing power outages.
The Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation says that nearly 80% of its customers are currently experiencing power outages.
Officials warn that this number could change or grow throughout the day. Extreme flooding, landslides and road closures across Rutherford EMC's 10 county service areas will cause delays in repairing damages to the electric system.
Customers can stay alert and informed by viewing Rutherford EMC's storm center and outage map.
(3 P.M.) - French Broad Electric Membership Corporation says 40,000 of its 42,000 customers are without power.
The French Broad Electric Membership Corporation says that nearly all of its customers do not have power.
The company spokesman says the entire service territory has been "ravaged by Hurricane Helene with flooding rains and high winds that have toppled countless trees across our power lines along with Duke Energy Transmission lines."
This is by far the most devastating storm that we have ever faced," said Jeff Loven, general manager and CEO.
The electric company says most of its transmission service from Duke Energy is out, so it cannot provide electricity. Most of its feeder lines are on the ground due to fallen trees and flooding.
We expect the power to be out for several days or possibly longer," Loven said. "Please understand that you may need to evacuate and relocate to an area that has electricity until your power is restored.
(3 P.M.) - Buncombe County and City of Asheville will host a media briefing.
City leaders with Buncombe County and the City of Asheville will host a media briefing on the current crisis response at 4 p.m. today. It will be live on Buncombe County's Facebook page here.
(2:45 PM) - Asheville leaders say FEMA and the North Carolina National Guard are helping with flood rescue efforts.
City leaders say the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina National Guard are in town to assist our rescue efforts. A FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team is in Asheville with 82 personnel and 19 vehicles including buses, tractor-trailers, box trucks, tow vehicles and rescue boats. The National Guard team is assisting efforts by providing a team of 8 personnel and high profile vehicles that can navigate through flooded waters.
Asheville Fire Department has upscaled their operations with up to 200 firefighters filling emergency response roles.
"Even though it may appear that the storm has passed, we want the community to understand that the devastating after effects of Helene including rising rivers, downed powerlines and power outages, flooded roads, and damaged homes will affect our community for days to come. The City of Asheville is dedicated to using all resources possible to continue to serve our community, businesses and visitors."
For non-emergency situations, please call 828-250-6650. For life threatening situations, always call 911.
(1:45 PM): Emergency shelter is available at RS Central High School in Rutherford County
Rutherford County officials say if you have been ordered to evacuate, proceed to the shelter. Please continue to remain at home if you are not in an evacuation zone. Roads are hazardous with an insurmountable number of trees and electrical lines that are down. Text AlertRC to 888777 to get emergency updates.
(1:30 PM):Water is cresting Lake Lure dam and flowing around the side walls
Rutherford County officials say structural supports have been compromised. Evacuations have occurred from the Dam to Island Creek Road. Evacuation sirens are sounding downstream of the Dam.
Emergency personnel are working with the structural engineers and are going house to house to ensure all citizens have been evacuated. Evacuees are being transported temporarily to Ingles in Lake Lure. As information changes, the public will be updated.
(11 a.m.) Gov. Roy Cooper updates on Helene impacts in WNC
(11 A.M.) LAKE LURE DAM FAILURE IMMINENT
Rutherford County officials said in an alert at 11 a.m. that residents below the Lake Lure Dam to evacuate to higher ground immediately.
(11 a.m.) - Buncombe County officials report four homes were impacted by a mudslide along Tunnel Road.
Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole said during a 10 a.m. press conference that several victims in those houses have not been accounted for. Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder confirmed the slide happened along Tunnel Road, but didn't know specifics at the time of the press conference.
Cole also reported there was a structural collapse that crews were responding to.
(8:45 a.m.) - Haywood County Emergency Services tells residents DO NOT DRIVE.
Stay where you are. DO NOT attempt to drive. Do NOT enter water.
Climb to higher ground to evacuate.
Consider ALL roads closed until further notice.
(8:28 a.m.) - Buncombe County leaders say there is a countywide emergency. Residents are told to seek higher ground, shelter in place, and NOT travel.
Emergency services are prioritizing life safety missions.
Leaders will provide an update at 10 a.m.
Buncombe County Mandatory Evacuation Order - Balsam Road to Highway 70
Due to flooding of a lake with a dam at Camp Ridgecrest for Girls, a mandatory evacuation order is in effect for 105 Balsam Road from the camp south to Highway 70 in Black Mountain.
Evacuation Shelters:
- For those unable to evacuate to a safe location, an emergency shelter has been established at the WNC Agriculture Center located at WNC Agricultural Center: 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher NC.
- As of 7:37 a.m., an emergency shelter has been opened at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville.
Please bring essential items such as medications, important documents, and personal necessities.
Transportation Assistance:
If you are unable to evacuate safely, please call 911 for assistance with transportation.
Evacuation Precautions:
- Avoid flooded roads and areas prone to landslides during your evacuation.
- Immediately gather important documents and items needed to make yourself and your family comfortable at a shelter or other safe space.
- Stay informed by tuning into local news, radio stations, and official social media channels for updates.
Important Resources:
For up-to-date information on the evacuation, road closures, and shelter availability, please visit www.buncombeready.org.
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(8 a.m.) -FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR BUNCOMBE COUNTY UNTIL 1:45 PM
NWS says emergency management reported widespread catastrophic flooding resulting in damage to infrastructure and inundation of countless homes and businesses. Emergency managers request that those in low-lying areas seek higher ground immediately. Potential for life-threatening landslides is greatly increased.
"This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Buncombe County. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!"
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(7:21 a.m.) - Hundreds of thousands of people are now without power in the western Carolinas, according to Duke Energy, including more than 71,000 in Buncombe and 42,000 in Henderson.
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(6:40 a.m.) -FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR HENDERSON, POLK, AND RUTHERFORD COUNTIES
NWS says emergency management reported extensive significant life-threatening flooding across the warned area. Numerous road closures, multiple strandings and water rescues were reported recently. In many locations, up to 11 inches of rain have fallen in the last 12 to 24 hours, and an additional swath of heavy rainfall is arriving from the south. This will result in imminent catastrophic flooding in the warned area.
This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Henderson, Polk, and Rutherford Counties. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!
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(6:22 a.m.) -A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF THE SWANNANOA RIVER VALLEY AREA IS IN PLACE.
Due to catastrophic rain in the area, Asheville leaders say the North Fork Reservoir auxiliary spillway has been activated. The dam is performing as designed, and the volume of water flowing downstream will increase as the storm intensifies.
Due to the high risk, a MANDATORY EVACUATION of the Swannanoa River Valley area is in place. All residents within the designated area downstream of the reservoir are required to move to higher ground. If you need assistance to evacuate, please call 911.
Shelter is available at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville (87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801). Explore Asheville has worked with local hotels to make rooms available for residents who are seeking shelter from the storm. Those rates are available here.
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(6 a.m.) -FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCYFOR ACROSS MITCHELL AND AVERY COUNTIES UNTIL 2:30 PM
NWS says emergency management reports catastrophic flooding across parts of Mitchell and Avery County, especially Bakersville and the surrounding areas.
Widespread heavy rainfall in excess of 7 to 10 inches has resulted in numerous road closures, flooded bridges, inundated and damaged structures, and ongoing water rescues across both counties.
Mitchell County emergency management reported that there is a shelter for those displaced by flooding located at Mitchell High School at 416 Ledger School Road.
NWS: This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for across Mitchell and Avery Counties. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!
(5:38 a.m.) - A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY ISSUED FORSWANNANOA RIVER VALLEY, BELOW NORTH FORK UNTIL 1:15 PM
NWS says Buncombe County Emergency Management is reporting significant flows coming from the North Fork Reservoir on the North Fork Swannanoa River due to the excessive rainfall observed since last Wednesday. Additional significant flows are originating from the headwaters of the Swannanoa River near and above Montreat and Black Mountain as well as other tributaries of the Swannanoa River.
Rapid rises are imminent along the Swannanoa River, resulting in major, catastrophic, and potentially historic flash flooding within the valley. There is an increasing likelihood that this flooding will exceed the flash flooding observed in September 2004. Prepare NOW and heed all evacuation and other guidance from Buncombe County and local law enforcement in order to protect your life.
Additional torrential rainfall is imminent for the North Fork Swannanoa River and the Swannanoa River Valley which will significantly exacerbate developing Major flood conditions, leading to the potentially historic rainfall anticipated.
NWS: "This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! Life threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses."
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(5:35 a.m.) - The Haywood County Sheriff's Office says evacuation efforts are underway in Cruso, Clyde, Canton and low-lying areas in Waynesville.
"Flood waters are extremely dangerous. Getting caught up in floods may result in injury or death. LEAVE NOW. Climb to higher ground. Do not drive through water," the sheriff's office Facebook post said.
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(5:04 a.m.) - Tens of thousands of people are without power across WNC. As of 5 a.m., Duke Energy reports 44,604 outages in Buncombe and 4,681 outages in Henderson. See Duke Energy's outage map for the latest numbers and to report an outage. See outages and resources for French Broad Electric.
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(4:48 a.m.) - Buncombe County officials say the shelters at Trinity Baptist Church and Swannanoa First Baptist Church are closing immediately. Anyone that needs to access emergency shelter should go the WNC Agriculture Center (Davis Building, Gate 5). Six people from the emergency shelter at Swannanoa First Baptist are currently being transported to the WNC Ag. Center.
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(4:35 a.m.) -McDowell County officials say a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Bungalow Drive off of Garden Creek Rd. in Marion. Bungalow Drive is in imminent danger of being surrounded by the Catawba River. Emergency personnel will not be able to access the area based upon projected river levels. Now is the time to move to higher ground. Take immediate action.
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(4:23 a.m.) -FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR HAYWOOD COUNTY UNTIL 10:15 AM
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Emergency for Haywood County at 4:09 a.m. Emergency management reported numerous road closures, ongoing water rescues, and flooded homes across Haywood County. Ongoing rainfall is contributing to swiftly rising stream levels, increasing significant flood risk, and increasing risk of life-threatening landslides. Between 6 and 10 inches of rain have already fallen, and additional heavy rainfall is imminent.
This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for across Haywood County.The NWS says this is a particularly dangerous situation and residents should seek higher ground now.
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(4:05 a.m.) - McDowell County officials issued a mandatory evacuation of Ponderosa Park, located off US 221 Business in Marion. The sheriff's office saysPonderosa Park is in imminent danger of being surrounded by the Catawba River.
" Emergency personnel will not be able to access the park based upon projected river levels. Now is the time to move to higher ground. Take immediate action to protect your life!" an alert from the sheriff's office said.
(3:50 a.m.) - The city of Hendersonville has upgraded its Flood Response Plan to a Flood Level 4 (Extensive Flooding). Near-historic flooding is expected, along with strong wind gusts and major travel impacts. City officials urge residents living in the 500 year floodplain should prepare to evacuate if necessary.
Henderson County has opened an emergency shelter at the Athletics and Activities Center located at 708 South Grove Street.
Residents with non-emergency questions or those seeking transportation to a shelter, contact Henderson County Emergency Operations Center at 828-771-6670.
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(3:30 a.m.) - The Haywood County Sheriff's Office reports the Pigeon River has left its bank on Thickety Road, near Thompson Cove. Both roads are closed, and residents are asked to avoid the area.
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(2:30 a.m.) - The Asheville Regional Airport set back-to-back daily rainfall records on Wednesday and Thursday and will likely set a third consecutive one on Friday.
September 2024 is now the wettest September on record in Asheville, with over 14" of rain and counting.
WEATHER WARN DAY: RECORD RAIN TOTALS PRECEDE HELENE'S ARRIVAL
Helene is expected to move quickly through the western Carolinas early Friday, bringing damaging wind gusts of up to 65 mph for lower elevations, and up to 80 mph for higher elevations.
