Highway Patrol advises WNC residents to stay off roads

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is advising people in western North Carolina to stay off the roads as Hurricane Helene moves through the Carolinas.

Helene landed in Florida on Thursday evening and quickly made its way through Georgia to South Carolina and North Carolina. Officials report that many major and minor roads are closed due to flooding or trees on the roadways.

Lt. Josh Dowdle of the Highway Patrol said crews were busy throughout the night and morning responding to numerous calls. He said one of the biggest issues facing crews right now is not only the rain, but also the strong winds.

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“The problem we are encountering now is the strong winds. It is very dangerous for our crews to be out clearing the roads now,” he told News 13. “Trees need to stay on the roads until then.” This storm is passing and our first responders can clear the roads safely. “

Dowdle said his crews are experiencing the same things as other motorists on the road, making their jobs even more difficult.

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“They are hindered by trees on the other side of the road and water on the roads. We’re trying to get there as quickly as possible and help,” he said.

Dowdle said there had been no accidents that resulted in injuries at this time.

“A lot of people heeded the warning and stayed home this morning, so we don’t have many calls about broken down cars at this time,” he said.

For a full list of road closures, see DriveNC.gov.