Just a few weeks after eastern North Carolina saw flooding and roads washed away from storms, western North Carolina to the piedmont is preparing for Hurricane Helene. The storm is a big one, almost 700 miles across, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS has issued flood warnings for parts of western North Carolina, including Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, and Cleveland counties as Helene approaches the gulf coast of Florida. The Category 3 storm is expected to become a Cat 4 overnight, bringing with it up to 18+ inches of rain to North Carolina. The heavy rain and storms are expected starting Thursday into Friday morning, increasing flooding risk as far east as Charlotte and the Triad.

Gov. Roy Cooper spoke to media Thursday after declaring a state of emergency Wednesday afternoon to help move supplies like water food and medicine heavy equipment and to support agricultural operations before the storm arrives. In the press conference, Cooper and Emergency Management Director Will Ray outlines the resources and strategies for dealing with Helene.

“If you do not need to travel, please stay off the roadways, especially in the foothills and the mountains,” Cooper said. “Do not drive through floodwaters. We have lost too many North Carolinians who have driven around barricades and into floodwaters, including one just last week in Brunswick County. You cannot tell the depth of water just by looking at it from your vehicle. Turn around don’t drown.”

Tornado warnings dotted the Charlotte area early Thursday morning as the first bands of Helene moved north. WBTV reported a possible funnel cloud forming over the Queen City.

As the large storm moves inland, the state of North Carolina is taking measures to prepare for strong winds, flash flooding, and possible landslides. The North Carolina Emergency Management X account warns of wind gusts of 40-60 mph, saying power outages and downed trees are likely through Friday. As of Thursday afternoon, there have been 14,000 power outages statewide. The National Guard has been activated, and swift-water rescue teams are on standby in western and central parts of the state.

Significant flash flooding is possible, even in areas that are not in the direct path of the storm. Recent soaking rains from Tropical Storm Debby and Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight in the eastern part of the state caused dangerous flash flooding in coastal communities like Carolina Beach last week, and could make the ground more unstable.

tropical storm fred, 2021

Helene comes just three years after Tropical Storm Fred devastated western North Carolina in 2021, damaging more than 700 homes and claiming 6 lives. At the time, local officials said the storm highlighted a shortcoming in the state’s response time and assistance. Since then, more early warning systems have been implemented in the west, and counties have worked to clear debris that can lead to flooding.

“A number of our counties have also taken some proactive steps on the mitigation front to add some alert and warning systems in place to add additional river gauges out there,” said Ray on Thursday. “We know forecasts and information from our river gauges in the mountains that water travels much, much differently. The impact is significant in a different way, so the ability to get that timely information and then analysis on the front end is is going to be critical.”

“Just a few years ago, Tropical Storm Fred shocked our mountain regions with torrential rain, sweeping away homes, bridges, and lives,” Cooper said. “With Helene, this can happen again and just last week we were reminded of the unpredictability of severe weather in North Carolina as a coastal storm brought 20 plus inches of rain on parts of southeastern North Carolina.”

Residents are being urged to take precautions, including preparing emergency kits, securing property, and staying informed through weather alerts. Authorities warn of the potential for power outages due to saturated ground, which could cause trees to fall. The state is closely coordinating with local governments to monitor conditions and respond to emergencies. There are also evacuation shelters open in Avery, Buncombe, and McDowell counties.

“I don’t think we can overstate some of our concern about potential impact in that area of the state and and why we continue to message and many of our local jurisdictions in that part of the state continue to message the importance of evacuations, if possible, out of those areas that we know are susceptible to to significant flooding,” said Ray.

Duke Energy has staged 10,000 lineworkers, tree trimmers and other storm support personnel to be ready for the storm, and recommends that residents take the following precautions:

  • Create or update an emergency supply kit that includes everything an individual or family would need – especially medicines, water, nonperishable foods and other supplies that might be hard to find after a storm hits.
     
  • Keep a portable radio or TV or a NOAA weather radio on hand to monitor weather forecasts and vital information from state and local officials.
     
  • Charge cellphones, computers and other electronic devices in advance of storms to stay connected to important safety and response information. Consider purchasing and charging portable battery chargers.
     
  • Maintain a plan to move family members – especially those with special needs – to safe, alternative locations in case extended power outages occur or evacuation is required.
     
  • Pet owners should arrange to stay at evacuation shelters that accept pets, friends’ or family members’ homes or pet-friendly hotels.
     
  • Everyone should always stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging – and consider all lines energized, as well as trees, limbs, fences or anything in contact with lines. Downed lines are hard to see in the rain and standing water. Anyone who encounters large pools of standing water should stop, back up and choose another path.

For information on current conditions and resources available, visit readync.gov.