News

Flash flood warning extended — again — Duke stages crews, shelter open

By Lightning Reports, Published: September 26, 2024

The National Weather Service has extended a flash flood warning until 5 p.m. Thursday. Meanwhile, as flooding worsened, Henderson County opened an emergency shelter at the county Athletics and Activity Center, 708 S. Grove St., and first responders made numerous rescues of people from flooded homes and stranded vehicles.

WLOS reported rainfall totals over 36 hours through 8:30 a.m. of 8.1 inches in North Mills River, 7 inches at AVL and 5.35 inches in Mills River. WTZQ in Tracy Grove reported 5.1 inches.

Duke Energy said it is finalizing preparations for Helene in the Carolinas. This includes strategically staging more than 10,000 lineworkers, tree trimmers and other storm support personnel. The company is also asking customers to ready themselves for severe rain and tropical-storm-force gusts, which could lead to power outages.

“Our workers will be ready to begin assessing damage and restoring power as soon as the storm passes and conditions are safe,” said Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy’s storm director in the Carolinas. “In the meantime, we continue to monitor weather conditions and encourage customers to have a plan in place in case they experience an outage.”

In addition, Duke Energy recommends customers review these preparedness tips:

• Create or update an emergency supply kit that includes everything an individual or family would need – especially medicines, water, nonperishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits.
• Keep a portable radio or TV or a NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and vital information from state and local officials.
• Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing and charging portable battery chargers.
• Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to safe, alternative locations in case extended power outages occur or evacuation is required.
• Pet owners should arrange to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets, friends’ or family members’ homes or pet-friendly hotels.
• Everyone should always stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging – and consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs, fences or anything in contact with lines. Downed lines are hard to see in the rain and standing water. Anyone who encounters large pools of standing water should stop, back up and choose another path.

Here is the flood warning from the NWS:

Widespread flooding across Henderson County will continue into this afternoon...especially along and near the
French Broad River and many tributaries which includes, but is not limited to, Mud and Bat Fork Creeks and Mills River. Also remain wary of flooding along the Green River. Watch for landslides in mountainous terrain.

Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen for falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris.

NOTE: As Helene churns toward the N.C. mountains, the Lightning will report event cancellations, closings, road conditions and other news. Storm coverage remains in front of the website paywall, available to all.