Evacuation orders, flash flood emergencies are issued as Helene moves in

(WLOS) — (4:35 a.m.) –McDowell County officials say a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Bungalow Drive at Garden Creek Road. in Marion. Bungalow Drive is in imminent danger of being submerged by the Catawba River. Due to forecast river levels, emergency personnel will not be able to reach the area. Now it’s time to move to higher ground. Take immediate action.

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(4:23 a.m.) – The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency for Haywood County at 4:09 a.m. Emergency management reported numerous road closures, ongoing water rescue efforts and flooded homes throughout Haywood County. Persistent rainfall is contributing to rapid rises in water levels, increasing the risk of significant flooding and increasing the risk of life-threatening landslides. 15 to 25 centimeters of rain has already fallen and more heavy rain is imminent.

This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY throughout Haywood County.According to the NWS, this is a particularly dangerous situation Residents should now seek higher ground.

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(4:05 a.m.) – McDowell County officials ordered a mandatory evacuation of Ponderosa Park, located off US 221 Business in Marion. The sheriff’s office says Ponderosa Park is in imminent danger of being submerged by the Catawba River.

“Due to the forecast river heights, emergency personnel will not be able to access the park. Now is the time to move to higher ground. Take immediate action to protect your life!” reads a warning from the sheriff’s office.

(3:50 a.m.) – The City of Hendersonville has raised its flood protection plan to Flood Level 4 (severe flooding). Near-historic flooding is expected, as well as strong wind gusts and a significant impact on travel. City officials urge residents living in the city 500 year old floodplain should prepare for evacuation if necessary.

Henderson County has opened an emergency shelter at the Athletics and Activities Center at 708 South Grove Street.

Residents who do not have urgent questions or are seeking transportation to an emergency shelter should contact the Henderson County Emergency Operations Center at 828-771-6670.

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(3:30 a.m.) – The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office reports the Pigeon River has burst its banks on Thickety Road near Thompson Cove. Both roads are closed and residents are asked to avoid the area.

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(2:30 a.m.) – Asheville Regional Airport set two consecutive daily rainfall records on Wednesday and Thursday and is likely to set its third straight rainfall record on Friday.

September 2024 is now the wettest September on record in Asheville, with over 14 inches of rain and counting.

WEATHER WARNING DAY: RECORD RAIN FIGURES BEFORE HELENE’S ARRIVAL

Helene is expected to move quickly through the western Carolinas early Friday, bringing damaging wind gusts of up to 65 mph at lower elevations and up to 80 mph at higher elevations.