Photo: Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images News / Getty Images
These updates are for Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024:
UPDATE: 11:00 PM ET
The Henderson County Sheriff's Department says a State of Emergency remains in effect for the county and the 8pm to 8am curfew is still in place.
Officials said they were in the process of setting up six Resource Hubs at six different locations across the County where residents can come and get some much-needed resources. Once we have site confirmations we will announce those locations.
The Henderson County Transfer Station will be open on Monday and will accept storm debris with the normal fees. They can only accept cash, checks and established accounts.
Officials say they are working on a free storm debris site that will be available soon.
For more information visit www.hendersoncountync.gov
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UPDATE: 10:45 PM ET
Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) has announced it is temporarily closing its facilities. Officials released the following statement:
"While hospitals across the region remain open, several healthcare practices, including the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC), are temporarily closed. MAHEC, which serves patients throughout Western North Carolina, has closed all locations for both patients and staff until further notice due to the recent storm. Phone and online communication may be limited. MAHEC is actively working to restore services and will provide updates as soon as they become available."
UPDATE: 10:30 PM ET
The Fresh Market plans to distribute free bottles of water to those in need at two locations in Asheville, starting at 10 a.m. Monday.
"We understand that everyone is limited on resources, so please check our social media sites for updates and confirmation that distribution is up and running," the media alert read.
The following locations plan to distribute free bottles of water while they last:
- The Fresh Market Parking Lot at 944 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC
- The Fresh Market Parking Lot 1378 Hendersonville, Rd, Ashville, NC 28803
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UPDATE: 10:00 PM ET
McDowell County officials have created a form for people to use to try to connect them with residents who've been out of reach since the storm.
The form is designed to be texted to potentially stranded citizens who may not have enough service for a phone call. It can also be completed by anyone who needs to report a missing loved one. Anyone may also call 828-652-3241 for assistance.
Individuals are asked to fill out the FORM with as much detail as possible to help authorities prioritize and coordinate a response for those stranded and in need of food, water, medical supplies, or evacuation. Be sure to include your exact location, immediate needs, and any medical conditions or injuries.
Click HERE for a link to the form.
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UPDATE: 9:00 PM ET
The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association has confirmed two deputies are among those to die in Western North Carolina following the flooding and hazardous conditions caused by Hurricane Helene.
The sheriffs' association posted on Facebook, "In the wake of this devastating storm, a deputy from the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and a deputy from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office were tragically killed in raging flood waters. We ask that you keep the families, friends, and colleagues of these deputies as well as the entirety of Western North Carolina in your thoughts and prayers during this unfathomable and difficult time."
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UPDATE: 8:30 PM ET
More than 80 people are now dead as a result of Hurricane Helene -- with dozens killed in Western North Carolina. Sunday afternoon, authorities in Buncombe County said 30 people were confirmed dead and hundreds still unaccounted for. The North Carolina Sheriff's Association says two deputies were killed by flooding -- one in Macon County and another from Madison County. Asheville was hit with what officials are calling -- rivers of water on a biblical scale. Homes and buildings have been flattened, there's little cell service and thousands are without power.
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UPDATE: 7:00 PM ET
North Carolina's governor says help is on the way to people impacted by the catastrophic flooding. Governor Roy Cooper said the state's National Guard will be airlifting supplies to counties in Western Carolina. Supplies will include food, water and other essential items. The governor released a statement saying people are desperate for help and we are pushing to get it to them. He called the flooding caused by Helene an unprecedented tragedy that required an unprecedented response.
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UPDATE: 6:30 PM ET
Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller says the flooding caused by Helene has been devastating.
"We now have 30 confirmed losses due to the storm," said Miller. Officials say hundreds are still unaccounted for following the flooding caused by up to 29 inches of rain in some areas.
At least 94,000 customers in the Asheville area were without power late today. Residents in some areas, especially Black Mountain, are having problems getting bottled water. Governor Roy Cooper is calling Helene one of the worst storms in modern history for parts of North Carolina.
The flooding in Western North Carolina is leading to massive amounts of road closures. In its latest update late Sunday afternoon, the state's department of transportation said at least 200 roads were closed. That includes Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 at the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Roads in the area have been swept away by catastrophic flooding and mudslides caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene. State emergency officials are telling people to not travel in or two Western North Carolina.
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UPDATE: 5:30 PM ET
In North Carolina, at least 200 roads are closed including Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 at the Tennessee-North Carolina border, according to the state's road closures map. The I-40 closure near the state line has been designated long-term. The I-40 is also closed at Old Fort Mountain, NCDOT projected that it will reopen by noon on October 1st. State Emergency Officials have warned people not to travel in or to Western North Carolina.
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UPDATE: 4:40 PM ET
At least 30 people are dead in the Asheville, North Carolina area after Hurricane Helene. Officials just updated the death toll.
People are stranded or missing, homes and buildings flattened, power is out for most of the area, and roads washed away. Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder says rescue crews have been working non-stop and the desperation grows with nightfall coming. Over 15,000 utility crew members from across the U.S. are working to restore the power.
UPDATE: 4:20 PM ET
The City of Asheville is partnering with Verizon to deliver a temporary cellular satellite trailer. The temporary cellular satellite trailer is being set up at the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin Place. This tower will offer an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked.
UPDATE: 4:00 PM ET
Massive destruction is being sifted through in Ashville, North Carolina after Hurricane Helene ripped across the state. The storm brought devastating winds and flooding with rescues taking place in multiple parts of the region. The western part of the state was hit particularly hard and led to dozens of road closures, including Interstate 40. Standing water is a huge problem and many parts will be without power for some time. On top of that, cell service is very spotty in a lot of areas, making it tough for folks to check on their friends and family.
President Biden says the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene is a tragedy. While speaking to reporters at Dover Air Force Base, Biden said FEMA officials are on the ground in Florida working to address the situation. At least 60 deaths have been reported in the southeast as a result of Helene. The Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana bore the brunt of the storm.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper says officials are working tirelessly to get relief into the areas most affected by the crisis. "A number of mass feeding sites have been opened. Water food and other supplies are coming into Asheville and they are also being airlifted from there to surrounding counties," said Governor Cooper.
UPDATE: 1:30 PM ET
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper held a news conference this afternoon providing an update on recovery efforts following Helene.
Cooper confirmed President Biden has granted the governor’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Helene providing immediate federal help for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The declaration means that FEMA will be able to speed additional help to the state, and provide Individual Assistance to people living in those counties, as well as Public Assistance to reimburse local governments, state agencies, and non-profits or other eligible organizations for funds spent repairing facilities and infrastructure.
"Depending on where you are, this unprecedented storm dropped from 10 to 29 inches of rain across the mountains, causing life-threatening floods and landslides," said Cooper. "Unfortunately, 11 people in our state have died as a result of this storm and tragically, we know there will be more. Our prayers and condolences go out to those families in this terrible time."
UPDATE: 1:15 PM ET
Duke Energy sent the following message via text to customers:
"Our crews are working tirelessly to restore power to your area following the devastating damage caused by Helene. We expect to have power restored to the majority of customers no later than Friday evening, with the exception of areas that are inaccessible or unable to receive service. As our crews assess the situation for your specific outage, we will provide updated estimated times of restoration, which you can view at duk.us/05. Customers signed up to receive outage alerts will be notified of any updates. Learn more about how our alerts work at duk.us/08. We recognize how challenging this situation is and appreciate your patience as we work to safely restore your service. Thank you for your continued understanding."
UPDATE: 1:00 PM ET
The Fresh Market will distribute free bottled water at the following Asheville locations until 6 p.m. Sunday:
- The Fresh Market parking lot at 944 Merrimon Ave
- The Fresh Market parking lot at 1378 Hendersonville, Rd
UPDATE: 12:45 PM ET
The City of Asheville released the following update on recovery efforts:
WATER:
When will service be restored?
Tropical Storm Helene severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville’s water system. Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away which are preventing water personnel from accessing parts of the system. Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks.
As repairs progress, water service will return to some areas before others, based solely on the level of damage to the system.
What to do if you have running water
Customers who currently have water should fill bathtubs and other available containers in preparation for loss of service. Please remember, a boil water advisory also remains in effect for customers who have water.
What to do if you have conserved drinking water or bottled drinking water
Potable water is limited, please only use potable water for drinking, not for flushing.
SHELTERS:
General public shelter at WNC Agricultural Center – 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher, NC at capacity as of the time of this writing.
General public shelter at AB Tech – 6 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (use Victoria Road entrance)
Medical emergency shelter at AB Tech – 10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801
SUPPLIES:
Food and water supplies have been ordered to assist our community in need. We hope to receive these supplies in the next day or two. Until then, please be conservative and help your neighbors if possible.
Distribution sites have been identified and will be advertised once the supplies are in hand.
Without power many gas stations are not open and fuel is not currently available. We ask everyone to conserve fuel and not drive unless it is an emergency.
BUS SERVICE:
Bus service remains suspended while buses are involved in relief efforts. While performing this service, the bus destination sign will say “Special Assignment.” When services resume, ART buses will have the regular route name on the destination sign.
ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT:
APD is at full patrol staffing. Additionally, Federal and NC State agents are assisting with security and other local Law Enforcement Agencies needs.
ASHEVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT:
AFD continues rescue efforts in heavily affected areas and will begin canvassing neighborhoods for needs. For those needing medical assistance or for those who cannot call 911, each fire station will have a firefighter available 24/7.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES:
Structural damage should be reported to an individual’s insurance company as soon as possible.
A city-wide initial assessment by FEMA and a team of city staff (DSD, Fire, Public Works) will begin Sunday, September 29. Community members will see city staff doing assessments to understand the magnitude of the overall storm damage.
Development Services Department will be set up to receive and issue permits for removal and replacement of damaged areas. Permit fees will be waived for removal and repair permits.
- For questions about buildings affected by this storm:
- City of Asheville Building Safety Division at 828-259-5967
- email buildingsafety@ashevillenc.gov.
PUBLIC WORKS & SANITATION:
Public Works is working to clear storm debris from roads to provide critical access for emergency vehicles. Public Works will run routes for debris removal in the coming weeks. Information about trash and recycling collection will be continually updated.
CURFEW:
A curfew is still in effect from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. within the Asheville City Limits.
City Offices and Parks will be closed Monday, Sep 30, 2024 to allow full support to the recovery efforts.
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UPDATE: 12:30 PM ET
Buncombe County School officials have announced schools will be closed all week from Monday, Sept. 30 through Friday, Oct. 4. These will be annual leave days for faculty and staff.
Henderson County Public Schools also announced that their schools will be closed until further notice for the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff.
Transylvania County Schools and non-emergency county offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 30.
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UPDATE: 12:15 PM ET
At least ten people are dead and there are 1,000 missing person reports in the area of Asheville, North Carolina. In an interview with CBS' "Face the Nation," Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell said western North Carolina has been devastated by floods and mudslides from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
"I don't know if anybody could be fully prepared for the amount of flooding and landslides they are experiencing right now," said Criswell. "This is really historic flooding up in North Carolina and especially this western part of North Carolina."
"In North Carolina, we are still in active search and rescue mode. They're still having flooding issues and landslides and so we are actively working on search and rescue missions," said Criswell.
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UPDATE: 11:45 AM ET
At least ten people are dead and there are more than 1,000 missing person reports in the area of Asheville, North Carolina. Sheriff Quentin Miller says that the names of the deceased will not be released until county officials are certain that next of kin are contacted first. "Our hearts are broken with this news and we ask that folks give our community the space and time to grieve this incredible loss," said Miller. "I will assure you we will continue to be here for our community in this event as well as provide our normal services as best we can."
Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said during a morning briefing that clear skies are going to help crews continue rescue and recovery operations through mudslides, flooded areas and stranded individuals. Pinder said they are still not in a position where they can do welfare checks. "We are still trying to save every single person we can," said Pinder.
Pinder said Buncombe County government regular operations will be closed Monday and Tuesday to focus on emergency operations. The landfill will be open on Monday, but residents are urged to take caution.
Weaverville Mayor Patrick Fitzsimmons says one of their biggest problems was the water plant was flooded by 8 feet of water. "There is no water service in Weaverville or the area around the city that is serviced by our water plant," said Fitzsimmons.
Swannanoa Fire Chief Anthony Penland says they are providing food drops. "We have two private helicopters dropping food. One at the Harley-Davidson shop and one at the First Baptist Church by the fire department," said Penland.
Overall, at least 60 deaths in the southeast have been reported as a result of the storm. The Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana bore the brunt of Helene.
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UPDATE: 10:00 AM ET
Buncombe County Communications Director Lillian Govus says, "we are seeing progress. We are getting a little more connectivity. We are seeing more houses come on line with power and a little bit more cell phone service which is going to help with just the heartbreak of so many families who haven't been able to communicate with each other."
In an interview with WLOS News 13, Govus said she had personally received thousands of messages from people looking for their loved ones.
Govus said people who are trying to find a loved one can go to BuncombeReady.org and put their name into a database. "A team will review those and comparing them against those they have in shelters and 911 records to try to get information to people to let them know their loved ones are safe," said Govus.
UPDATE: 9:40 AM ET
President Biden has granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Helene providing immediate federal help for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
The declaration means that FEMA will be able to speed additional help to the state, and provide Individual Assistance to people living in those counties, as well as Public Assistance to reimburse local governments, state agencies, and non-profits or other eligible organizations for funds spent repairing facilities and infrastructure.
“The people in western North Carolina are hurting from this devastating storm and we are all working to get resources to people as fast as we can,” said Governor Cooper. “We have deployed rescue teams, transportation crews, water, mobile kitchens and more. This is going to be a long-term recovery and this federal declaration will help us respond.”
The counties in the declaration are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. As response operations and eligible damages dictate, North Carolina may be able to add additional counties or programs as assessments move forward. This declaration will also provide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for future efforts to mitigate the impacts of future events.
This declaration is in addition to the federal emergency declaration already in place prior to the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.
Read the declaration summary here.
UPDATE: 6:30 AM ET
North Carolina state transportation officials are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel in western North Carolina as about 390 roads, including areas along Interstate 40 and dozens of highways in the foothills and mountains, remain closed due to flooding, downed trees, landslides or catastrophic damage from Helene.
N.C. Department of Transportation crews are working day and night this weekend to assess the widespread damage to roads and will prioritize efforts to reopen interstates, U.S. and state highways first before getting to state-maintained secondary roads.
But the emergency response and recovery effort will likely take months as damage to many roads and bridges is serious. Hundreds of thousands of power outages and limited cell phone coverage are impacting those efforts.
“Our top priority is everyone’s safety and well-being,” said state Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “People should still consider roads in western North Carolina to be closed and avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary. Priority must be given to all the emergency responders, utility and transportation crews, and others who are working hard to help with what will be a lengthy response and recovery effort.”
More than 1,600 NCDOT employees and contract crews are working with utilities to clear roads of debris, repair others where possible, and determine how to repair or replace roads more seriously damaged or destroyed. NCDOT crews from lesser impacted parts of the state have been deploying to the western part of the state since Friday and that will continue through the weekend. Those include crews who will be bringing in fuel, backhoes and front-end loaders to remove debris from mudslides, and chainsaw teams to cut and shove downed trees from roads.
Most of the road closures are west of Interstate 77 due to high water where the roads are impassable or flooded, pipes that have failed beneath roads, or roads and bridges covered by debris from rock slides, downed power lines and fallen trees. The department has begun this weekend assessing repair plans and timelines for the damage done to the road network.
More than 60 closures are along primary routes including I-40, U.S. 74, U.S. 64 and dozens of other U.S. and N.C. highways.
“The scope and magnitude of this devastation is unlike anything many long-time residents have ever seen in western North Carolina,” Hopkins said. “We’re doing everything we can to help North Carolina recover from this devastating storm but this will be a long-term effort. We need people to be patient and help us with the recovery effort by staying off the roads.”
For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov
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UPDATE: 5:00 AM ET
Deaths are being confirmed in Asheville, North Carolina from the severe flooding that has hit the region. Over 400 roads and several major highways were shut down in North Carolina because of flooding damage. Damaged roads and widespread power and cellphone outages have created what officials call "an active natural disaster."
Governor Roy Cooper announced that supplies were being airlifted to the affected areas.
The Red Cross says it has deployed more than 500 trained disaster workers to provide aid to those affected in the Southeast by Hurricane Helene, with hundreds more on their way. The Red Cross is working with local authorities to assess damage, provide meals, and distribute relief supplies. In addition, they are operating shelters and providing health services and emotional support throughout the region. If you need assistance finding a missing loved one call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can find a list of shelters by visiting www.redcross.org or downloading the Red Cross Emergency app.
A city-wide initial assessment by FEMA and a team of city staff (DSD, Fire, Public Works) will begin Sunday, September 29. Community members will see city staff doing assessments to understand the magnitude of the overall storm damage. Development Services Department will be set up to receive and issue permits for removal and replacement of damaged areas. Permit fees will be waived for removal and repair permits.
Asheville Regional Airport reports flights scheduled to depart this morning and this afternoon have been canceled. Travelers were advised to check with their airline for the status of their flight before arriving at the airport, as officials expect continued disruptions and cancelations for at least the next few days.
More than 600,000 homes and businesses are still without power across North Carolina, with most of the outages in WNC. Nearly 200,000 of the outages are in Buncombe County.
- ReadyNC Power Outage Map
- Duke Energy 1-800-228-8485
Issues with Natural Gas: Dominion – 1-866-366-4357
Water Service:
Officials say Hurricane Helene severely damaged the City of Asheville's water system, and a boil order is in effect. According to the City of Asheville extensive repairs to the water system will be required and the city's Water Resources Department is already starting the process of acquiring the needed equipment and personnel. The City of Asheville advises anyone who currently has water to fill bathtubs and other containers to prepare for loss of service.
When water service is restored consumers who have electric power are advised to boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation). Those without power are advised to use bottled water for the purposes mentioned above.
Vigorous boiling for one (1) minute should kill any disease-causing organisms that may be present in the water. This advisory remains in effect until further written notification is issued.
Water customers who currently have water are encouraged to fill bathtubs in preparedness for loss of water.
Structure Damage:
Structural damage should be reported to an individual’s insurance company as soon as possible.
Emergency Shelters:
Buncombe:
- A-B Technical Community College - 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, N.C. 28801
- First Baptist Church Swannanoa - 503 Park Street, Swannanoa, N.C. 28778
- WNC Agricultural Center- 1301 Fanning Bridge Rd, Fletcher, N.C. 28732
Haywood:
- Haywood County Government Armory - 285 Armory Drive, Clyde, N.C. 28781
Henderson:
- Henderson County Recreation Center - 708 S. Grove St, Hendersonville, N.C. 28792
Jackson:
- Cashiers Recreation Center - 355 Frank Allen Rd, Cashiers, N.C. 28717
- Jackson County Department of Aging - 100 County Services Park, Sylva, N.C. 28779
McDowell:
- First Baptist Church of Old Fort - 203 E Main St, Old Fort, N.C. 28762
- Glenwood Baptist Church - 1550 Old US 221 South, Marion, N.C. 28752
Polk:
- Polk County High School - 1681 NC 108 Highway East, Columbus, N.C. 28722
Transylvania:
- Pisgah Forest Baptist Church - 494 Hendersonville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, N.C. 28768
Yancey:
- South Toe Elementary School - 139 South Toe School Rd, Burnsville, N.C. 28714
- West Yancey Volunteer Fire Department - 6557 US Hwy 19, Burnsville, N.C. 28714
Pet Care:
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue in Asheville issued an urgent plea for the community to foster animals as they were forced to evacuate their facility due to flooding. They are specifically seeking foster families for 75 cats until possibly next Tuesday. The animal shelter says those interested in fostering can contact friends@bwar.org. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will provide all necessary supplies. Financial contributions and supply donations are also welcomed to support the animals in need.
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UPDATE: 4:00 AM ET
Western Carolina University (WCU) and UNC Asheville (UNCA) have provided an update about campus conditions after Helene.
"Conditions at UNC Asheville are difficult," Chancellor Kimberly van Noort said in a written statement shared on social media Saturday night.
Noort said there's significant tree damage and parts of campus are inaccessible, but everyone if safe.
"Cell and internet coverage is nonexistent at this point," Noort said. "Classes will be suspended until Oct. 9. We are providing security, food, water, and comfort to the students remaining on campus.”
A statement posted on WCU's social media said retroactive from Thursday, Sept. 25, through Friday, Oct. 4, WCU will operate under Condition Level 3 (Closed), as defined by its Adverse Weather Policy.
"Classes are canceled, and all non-mandatory offices are closed," the statement read. "However, administration, university public safety, dining, and residential services will remain operational."
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