Yesterday morning, Hurricane Helene struck the mountains of North Carolina with unprecedented force. Congressman Edwards described the event as “1,000-year flooding,” noting that more rain is expected.
Edwards praised the community’s resilience: “I have been encouraged by the number of neighbors I’ve seen helping neighbors, and I know our community will persist.”
He committed to providing daily updates on recovery efforts. This first update highlighted several key areas:
Food and Water
Access to food and potable water is a major concern. Thirty-seven water systems are under boil water advisories, with 31 awaiting results for restoration. Supplies are being transported from central to western North Carolina, with air operations commencing this afternoon in inaccessible areas.
Power and Gas
Widespread power outages affect over 700,000 residents, with 281,000 already restored. Duke Energy has warned of potential multi-day outages in Western North Carolina due to road closures. They have deployed 11,000 workers from 19 states and Canada for repairs. Fuel contracts have been activated to ensure a steady supply for rescue operations.
Roads
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has issued a “DO NOT DRIVE” message for Western North Carolina unless it’s an emergency. Approximately 400 roads are closed due to high water, landslides, downed power lines, pipe failures, and fallen trees. Over 1,500 employees are working to clear debris.
Asheville Regional Airport
The airport closed on Friday due to flooding but is expected to reopen today.
Cell Service
Severe weather has caused significant cell service outages in Western North Carolina. Madison County is particularly affected. Service providers have deployed Compact Rapid Deployables and SatCOLTs throughout the region to restore connectivity.
North Carolina National Guard
The National Guard has deployed 410 soldiers and airmen along with vehicles and aircraft to support the area. The Asheville armory relocated to East Flat Rock due to power loss.
Shelters
Several shelters are open across multiple counties for those unable to evacuate or needing refuge:
– Buncombe: A-B Technical Community College; First Baptist Church Swannanoa; WNC Agricultural Center
– Haywood: Haywood County Government Armory
– Henderson: Henderson County Recreation Center
– Jackson: Cashiers Recreation Center; Jackson County Department of Aging
– McDowell: First Baptist Church of Old Fort; Glenwood Baptist Church
– Polk: Polk County High School
– Transylvania: Pisgah Forest Baptist Church
– Yancey: South Toe Elementary School; West Yancey Volunteer Fire Department
