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    • Record river flooding expected in western North Carolina
    Albany

    Record river flooding expected in western North Carolina

    Madoc Meredith Posted on

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    Flooding in Buncombe County and surrounding areas of western North Carolina has led to mandatory evacuation orders as rivers overflow.

    Although Hurricane Helene has now been downgraded to a tropical storm, its path toward WNC has left outages, flooding and landslides.

    Here’s what we know about flooding on the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers, which has resulted in multiple evacuation orders.

    Flooding in Asheville, WNC

    NOAA and USGS river gauges indicate flooding in WNC river basins. Flood stage begins at 9.5 feet and is considered minor flooding. 13 feet is considered moderate flooding, while 18 feet is considered major flooding.

    French Broad in Asheville – 13.75 feet as of 7:45 a.m. The peak is expected to be 21 feet at 8 p.m

    French Broad at Fletcher – 20.35 feet as of 8:15 a.m. Projected peak is a record-breaking 30.5 feet at 8 p.m

    French Broad River near Marshall – 12.21 feet as of 8:00 a.m. The peak is expected to be 19 feet at 8 p.m

    Swannanoa River at Biltmore – 17.72 feet as of 8:30 a.m. The peak is expected to be 21 feet at 2 p.m

    French Broad River at Rosman (USGS) – 13.38 feet at 8:30 a.m

    Flood Warnings

    Flood warnings are active for:

    • French Broad River near Marshall, which influences Madison County.
    • French Broad River near Hot Springs, influencing Madison County.
    • French Broad River at Blantyre, which influences Transylvania and Henderson counties.
    • French Broad River near Asheville, which influences Buncombe County.
    • French Broad River near Fletcher, affecting Henderson and Buncombe counties.
    • Swannanoa River at Biltmore, which influences Buncombe County.

    Tropical storm warnings are also in effect for much of WNC. Check your area’s NWS forecast page for details.

    Evacuations in Asheville, WNC

    Mandatory evacuations are underway in several areas due to flooding.

    North Fork Reservoir water has overflowed, prompting Buncombe County to order a mandatory evacuation for residents of the following areas:

    • People between North Fork Road and Old US 70, following the Swannanoa River to Biltmore Village, should evacuate.
    • Evacuation areas include: o North Fork Road south to US 70 o US 70 west to Old Farm School Road o Old Farm School to Azalea Road o Azalea Road to Swannanoa River Road o Swannanoa River Road to Biltmore Village

    Due to flooding of a lake with a dam at Camp Ridgecrest for Girls, a mandatory evacuation order is also in effect for 105 Balsam Road from the camp south to US 70 in Black Mountain.

    Yesterday, September 26, McDowell County Emergency Services issued an alert urging residents living near creeks, rivers and streams at high risk for flash flooding to evacuate.

    The Haywood County Sheriff said he is considering considering all county roads closed until further notice due to flooding.

    This story will be updated.

    More: Tropical Storm Helene: Mandatory evacuation order for areas along the Swannanoa River

    Iris Seaton is the featured news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at [email protected].

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