Tropical Storm Helene Causes Severe Flooding and Evacuations in North Carolina

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Tropical Storm Helene has unleashed heavy rain and strong winds across the Carolinas, leading to significant flooding, particularly in Asheville, North Carolina. Unsettling video footage captured by the WFMY News 2 crew shows the dramatic moment when floodwaters swept away a vehicle amidst the rising waters.

The storm, which was initially classified as a hurricane, has now been downgraded to a tropical storm. Nevertheless, its impact remains severe, resulting in power outages and catastrophic flooding. According to the Duke Energy outage map, several areas, especially in the mountains and around Charlotte, are experiencing power cuts.

Flooding has affected numerous rivers and waterways, prompting mandatory evacuation orders in various parts of Western North Carolina. Local authorities, including Buncombe County officials, have ordered evacuations due to the overflowing North Fork Reservoir. Other affected locations include areas near the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers.

Mandatory evacuations have also been issued at Camp Ridgecrest for Girls, with residents along 105 Balsam Road down to U.S. 70 in Black Mountain urged to leave their homes. The decision follows the overflow of a lake dam at the site.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) river gauges show that several rivers exceed flood stage levels. As of Friday morning, water levels have been recorded beyond moderate and major flood stages, with the French Broad River predicted to peak at a record-breaking 30.5 feet later in the day.

Furthermore, Haywood County’s sheriff has advised residents to consider all county roads closed due to dangerous flooding conditions. Emergency services in McDowell County also issued an alert for residents living near creeks, rivers, and streams, highlighting the risk of flash flooding.

The storm has already claimed two lives in North Carolina, illustrating the dangerous conditions that continue to prevail. Residents across the affected regions are encouraged to stay informed and adhere to evacuation notices as authorities work to manage the unfolding emergency.