(WLOS) — Buncombe County leaders say there is a statewide emergency. Residents are being told to seek higher ground, shelter in place and NOT travel.

Emergency services prioritize life-safe operations.

Executives will provide an update at 10 a.m

Buncombe County Mandatory Evacuation Order – Balsam Road to Highway 70

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

Evacuation shelters:

For those unable to evacuate to a safe location, an emergency shelter has been established at the WNC Agriculture Center, located at the WNC Agricultural Center: 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher NC.

As of 7:37 a.m., an emergency shelter was opened at Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St., Asheville.

Please bring important items such as medications, important documents and personal items.

Transport support:

If you cannot safely evacuate, please call 911 for transportation assistance.

Evacuation precautions:

During your evacuation, avoid flooded roads and landslide-prone areas.

Immediately collect important documents and items that you and your family need to stay comfortable in a shelter or other safe place.

Stay informed by using local news, radio stations and official social media channels for updates.

Important resources:

For the latest information on evacuations, road closures and shelter availability, visit www.buncombeready.org.

(8 a.m.) – FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR BUNCOMBE COUNTY UNTIL 1:45 p.m

According to the NWS, emergency management reported widespread catastrophic flooding, causing damage to infrastructure and the inundation of countless homes and businesses. Emergency managers are urging those in low-lying areas to move to higher ground immediately. The risk of life-threatening landslides is significantly increased.

“This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Buncombe County. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. NOW SEEK HIGHER TERRITORY!”

(5:38 a.m.) – A FLOOD EMERGENCY IS ISSUED FOR THE SWANNANOA RIVER VALLEY, BELOW NORTH FORK, UNTIL 1:15 p.m

According to the NWS, Buncombe County Emergency Management is reporting significant water flows from the North Fork Reservoir on the North Fork Swannanoa River due to excessive rainfall observed since last Wednesday. Other significant flows originate from the headwaters of the Swannanoa River near and above Montreat and Black Mountain, as well as other tributaries of the Swannanoa River.

Rapid rises are threatening along the Swannanoa River, resulting in large, catastrophic and potentially historic flash floods in the valley. There is an increasing likelihood that this flood will exceed the flash flood observed in September 2004. Prepare NOW and follow all evacuation and other orders from Buncombe County and local law enforcement to protect your life.

(4:48 a.m.) – Buncombe County officials say shelters at Trinity Baptist Church and Swannanoa First Baptist Church will be closed immediately.

Anyone needing access to emergency shelter should visit the WNC Agriculture Center (Davis Building, Gate 5). Six people from the Swannanoa First Baptist shelter are currently being transported to WNC Ag. Center.