Published

September 25, 2024, 8:30 p.m. EDT

Hurricane Helene is expected to make its full impact on Western North Carolina Thursday evening. Rain was already moving into the region, and some parts of WNC experienced localized flooding on roads Wednesday evening. Landslides and strong winds could cause further damage, officials warn.

All seven of the region’s westernmost counties have moved to remote learning or canceled classes all day Thursday and Friday as a two-day flood threat looms across western North Carolina. Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools have taken the same precautions.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper had previously declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, saying: “Helene threatens heavy rains, flash floods, landslides and destructive winds in the mountains and Piedmont areas of our state.”

In some counties, authorities are warning residents of possible water and power outages and that rivers are expected to flood quickly, creating a dangerous and life-threatening situation.

Municipalities that declared a state of emergency Wednesday afternoon include: Buncombe, Henderson, McDowell, Transylvania and Caldwell counties, and the city of Marion. In some cases, the declaration will take effect Thursday.

As BPR previously reported: Rainfall between 8 and 10 inches is expected across much of western North Carolina through Friday, with some areas near the Blue Ridge Escarpment potentially receiving more than 12 inches. The French Broad River, Swannanoa River, and Pigeon River are expected to reach moderate to severe flood levels, putting communities along river banks at serious risk.

“We could see flooding in Asheville and the surrounding area that is on a par with the devastating floods of 2004. In some areas, the magnitude could be even greater,” Trisha Palmer, a meteorologist for alert coordination at the National Weather Service, told reporters on Wednesday.

The French Broad River near Asheville is expected to reach moderate flood stage, while areas such as Marshall and Hot Springs could experience severe flooding. The Pigeon River is also expected to rise significantly, with localized flooding expected in low-lying areas.

““The threat of severe to catastrophic flooding in parts of western North Carolina is becoming increasingly likely,” Palmer said.

Check back later for further updates.