Evacuation orders, flash flood emergencies issued as Helene moves in

(WLOS) — (5:04) – Tens of thousands of people are without power throughout the WNC. As of 5 a.m., Duke Energy is reporting 44,604 outages in Buncombe and 4,681 outages in Henderson. See Duke Energy’s outage map for the latest figures and to report a malfunction. See outages and resources for French Broad Electric.

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(04:48) – Buncombe County officials say the shelters at Trinity Baptist Church and Swannanoa First Baptist Church are closing immediately. Anyone needing emergency shelter should go to the WNC Agriculture Center (Davis Building, Gate 5).. Six people from the emergency shelter at Swannanoa First Baptist are currently being transported to WNC Ag. Center.

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(04:35) –McDowell County officials say a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Bungalow Drive at Garden Creek Rd. in Marion. Bungalow Drive is in grave danger of being surrounded by the Catawba River. Based on the expected river levels, emergency personnel will not be able to enter the area. Now it’s time to move to higher ground. Take action immediately.

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(04:23) – The National Weather Service (NWS) 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 in Haywood County. Persistent rainfall contributes to rapidly rising stream levels, significantly increasing flood risk and increasing the risk of life-threatening landslides. Between 6 and 10 inches of rain has already fallen and more heavy rain is on the way.

This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for all of Haywood County.The NWS says this is an extremely dangerous situation residents must now seek higher ground.

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(04:05) – McDowell County officials have issued a mandatory evacuation of Ponderosa Park, located off US 221 Business in Marion. The sheriff’s office says Ponderosa Park is in immediate danger of being surrounded by the Catawba River.

“Emergency personnel will not be able to enter the park based on expected river levels. Now is the time to move to higher ground. Take immediate action to protect your lives!” according to an alert from the sheriff’s office.

(3:50 hours) -The City of Hendersonville has upgraded its Flood Response Plan to Flood Level 4 (extensive flooding). Near-historic flooding is expected, along with strong winds and major impacts on travel. City officials are urging city residents 500 years of floodplains must prepare to evacuate if necessary.

Henderson County has opened an emergency shelter at the Athletics and Activities Center at 708 South Grove Street.

Residents with non-urgent questions or those seeking transportation to a shelter can contact the Henderson County Emergency Operations Center at 828-771-6670.

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(3:30 hours) – The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office reports the Pigeon River has left its bank at Thickety Road, near Thompson Cove. Both roads are closed and residents are asked to avoid the area.

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(02:30) – Asheville Regional Airport set consecutive daily precipitation records on Wednesday and Thursday and is likely to set a third consecutive record on Friday.

September 2024 is now the wettest September on record in Asheville, with more than 14 inches of rain and counting.

WEATHER WARNING DAY: RECORD RAIN TOTALS LEAD HELENE’S ARRIVAL

Helene is expected to move quickly through the western Carolinas early Friday, bringing damaging winds up to 60 mph at lower elevations, and up to 80 mph at higher elevations.