News

MICHAEL'S RAIN FLOODS ROADS, CLOSES SCHOOL, BRCC; SHELTER OPENS

High water closed Dana Road at Tracy Grove Road Thursday morning.

By Bill Moss, Published: October 11, 2018

High water closed dozens of roads around Henderson County, schools announced a two-hour delay and then called off classes for the day, Apple Country Transit suspended bus service and power outages were reported in Polk County.

Blue Ridge Community College also at first announced a delay until 10 a.m. and then called off all classes before 9:30.

"Our campus is flooded like I have never seen in all my years,"  communications director Lee Anna Haney said. "Our campus is really not safe. It's across College Drive, Airport Road, it's worse than I've seen in 30 years."

Urban flash flooding was widespread throughout the southern parts of Hendersonville and along King Creek in the BRCC, Emergency Management Director Jimmy Brissie said.

"We're seeing flash flooding along the Mud Creek basin, King creek, Blue Ridge Community College, Bat Fork, Wash Creek," he said. Rural fire departments and the county rescue squad have made several rescues of people in high water. "They have some evacuations under way in several neighborhoods in those areas."

"If folks don't need to go out, certainly it's best to stay where they are," he said. "If you live in an area that's prone to flash flooding, maintain awareness and be able to evacuate in a short period of time."

The county emergency management office is opening an emergency shelter at East Henderson High School at 10:30 this morning.  The shelter will remain open only until flash flooding in the area recedes. The shelter address is 150 Eagle Pride Drive, Hendersonville.

"For your safety and the safety of our first responders, please do not attempt to go around blocked area roadways," the county said in a news release. "There are currently flooded areas and downed trees around the county.  The barricades are put in place for your safety. If you have an emergency, please call 911."

WLOS-TV reported 39 roads closed or made hazardous with dangerously high water in Hendersonville and Henderson County, including Spartanburg Highway at Greenville Highway, South Grove Street at Chadwick, Erkwood at Kanuga, Big Willow Road at River Road, Banner Farm Road, Dana Road at Tracy Grove Road and New Hope Road at the bridge.

Other cancellations and closings:

• The matinee performance of "The Glass Menagerie" at Flat Rock Playhouse was called off.
• The Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site is closed until conditions improve.

The rain will continue for several more hours until tapering off later this afternoon, said Jeffrey Taylor, a National Weather Service meteorologist based in Greer, S.C. Wind gusts are expected to pick up to 35-40 mph, with sustained winds of 20-25 mph.

WTZQ radio reported that it had received 6.2 inches of rain since 6 a.m. Wednesday, including 2.2 inches from 6 to 10 a.m. Thursday. That total, said weather forecaster Paul Speranza, obliterates the average rainfall total for all of October of 4.08 inches.

The weather will get a lot better very soon. Friday and Saturday should be beautiful, with highs of 70 and 66 respectively and lows of in the 44-46 degree range. It may even be sunny late this afternoon. The forecast Sunday is mostly sunny with a high of 64.