Tracking Hurricane Helene

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(9:45 P.M.) – News 13’s Justin Berger has meticulously documented the preparations taking place in Asheville’s Biltmore Village as businesses brace themselves for the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Helene. The images showcase a community coming together to secure properties and mitigate potential damage from the impending storm.

(8:15 P.M.) – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has issued warnings concerning significant flooding forecasted for the French Broad River Valley. They advise residents in Etowah, Mills River, and Fletcher to formulate evacuation plans now, as river levels are projected to rise further, increasing the threat of flooding in these areas. This is an urgent call to action as safety must come first.

For more details on how to prepare for emergencies in Henderson County, residents can find crucial information here.

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(6:15 P.M.) – In light of the ongoing local state of emergency, Buncombe County has announced that there are resources and shelters available for residents contemplating evacuation. Approximately 15,000 residents could be affected, and the availability of shelters is a vital resource during this precarious time.

To assess whether your home is located within flood-prone areas, please click here for more information. It is essential for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.

Available shelters include the First Baptist Church in Swannanoa and Trinity Baptist in West Asheville, both of which are prepared to accommodate those in need during the storm.

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(3:30 P.M.) – Haywood County has proactively opened an emergency shelter at the Armory, located at 235 Armory Drive in Clyde. This facility has been made available from 3 p.m. onward, welcoming residents seeking refuge from the storm. It is advised that individuals bring all medications, oxygen devices, and other essential medical supplies they may require during their stay.

Residents planning to bring pets to the emergency shelter must adhere to the following guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety:

• All pets must be securely crated.
• Each pet should wear a collar or leash equipped with proper identification tags.
• Food and water bowls are mandatory.
• Residents must provide sufficient food and treats for their pets.
• Cleaning supplies for pet-related needs are required.

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(2:30 P.M.) – Buncombe County officials are strongly urging anyone residing near the French Broad or Swannanoa Rivers, particularly those in the Fletcher and Biltmore Village region, to self-evacuate before the rivers are expected to reach their highest levels overnight Friday into Saturday morning.

A press release from the county’s Emergency Services department indicated that flooding conditions may compare to, or even exceed, those experienced during the devastating 1916 flood.

“If you are in an impacted area, you should leave now,” cautioned Emergency Services Director Taylor Jones. “There is a genuine concern that we may reach a point where emergency crews cannot conduct rescue operations. We cannot stress enough how vital it is to take this situation seriously,” he added.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY LEADERS URGE RESIDENTS TO SELF-EVACUATE IN FLOOD-PRONE AREAS

(12:30 P.M.) – The city of Hendersonville has activated Flood Response Plan Level 3 due to reports of significant flooding in the area. Observations by News 13 crews noted swift water along Greenville Highway in front of Publix, prompting police to block the road at Chadwick Avenue for safety reasons.

Residents and commercial establishments located within the floodway and floodplain are urged to review urgent preparedness measures outlined by city officials. Note that all city government offices will be closed from noon Thursday through Friday, September 27, in response to the emergency.

Stay updated with current road closures by visiting the city’s website.

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(11 A.M.) – Governor Roy Cooper conducted a press briefing to provide updates on the preparations for Hurricane Helene, reiterating the state’s commitment to ensuring public safety during this emergency situation.

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(10 A.M.) – Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder and Buncombe County EMS Director Taylor Jones have shared critical updates regarding precautionary measures and the prevailing State of Emergency as Hurricane Helene approaches.

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Heavy rainfall has led to reports of flooding and power outages across the mountainous regions on Wednesday evening and Thursday morning. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) indicated that over 30 roads are currently closed due to weather conditions. News 13 crews noted ponding water on parts of Interstate 26, raising concerns for those traveling in the area.

Viewer-submitted video footage from Biltmore Village demonstrates vehicles navigating through unusually high water, with one sedan perilously close to submersion.

BUNCOMBE, HAYWOOD, AND NEIGHBORING MOUNTAIN COUNTIES DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY

Visuals from Spruce Pine revealed floodwaters surrounding a cabin at Gem Mountain, while videos showcased water rushing beneath nearby roadways, showcasing the severe threat posed by rising waters.

Emergency crews in Rutherford County issued a warning around 11:38 p.m. Wednesday, indicating that the Lake Lure tainter gates are discharging water at levels exceeding six feet. Residents in low-lying areas downstream are being advised to remain vigilant and prepared for further flooding.

In McDowell County, Emergency Management has mandated the evacuation of River Breeze Campground in Marion due to imminent flash flooding threats. An emergency shelter has been established at Glenwood Baptist Church, located at 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Road, to assist affected residents.

ACCESS INTERACTIVE RADAR FOR UPDATES

Numerous **school districts** and **public offices** across the region have suspended operations on Thursday amid the flood and wind threats. Declarations of emergency have been issued not only locally but also at the state level.

Heavy, widespread rainfall is expected to persist on Thursday, leading up to Hurricane Helene’s arrival in the mountainous area. Continued heavy rainfall is anticipated through Thursday night and into Friday morning, with flooding dangers remaining an urgent concern.

NEWS 13 WEATHER REPORT

Hurricane Helene is expected to rapidly intensify as it progresses through the eastern Gulf of Mexico, poised to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle later on Thursday. Current forecasts suggest that the storm will move toward Western North Carolina, bringing risky winds and heavy rain starting Thursday night and continuing through Friday morning.

Power Outages and Community Impact

As of 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Duke Energy has reported significant power outages affecting many customers, with over 1,174 reported in Henderson County, more than 780 in Buncombe County, 427 in McDowell County, and 925 in Macon County.

This situation highlights the urgent need for legal and emergency preparedness, where tools like the AI legalese decoder can assist individuals and businesses in understanding their rights and obligations during emergencies. The AI legalese decoder can demystify complex legal jargon regarding insurance claims, evacuation orders, and emergency regulations, ensuring that residents are well-informed and can take appropriate action as needed.

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