Transylvania County is declaring a State of Emergency effective at 5 PM on September 25, 2024, for Transylvania County, the City of Brevard and the Town of Rosman. The County is classified under the highest threat level under the National Weather Service for flooding, high winds, landslides and debris flows and emergency preparations are underway for impacts to begin as soon as Wednesday night.
“I am declaring a state of emergency for Transylvania County as a proactive measure ahead of Hurricane Helene's arrival. Our county emergency management team has been making preliminary preparations and resource requests over the last two days to support our emergency response. I encourage all citizens to visit our website to sign up for alerts on the emergency management page and to like our emergency services Facebook page to get the most up to date information in the coming days from our Emergency Operations Center, Transylvania County Commission Board Chair, Jason Chappell said, “Now is the time to make preparations before the storm arrives. Please closely monitor forecasts and announcements over the next 48 hours. Your County government will be working around the clock to respond to emergencies and to assist citizens through impacts of the storm.”
Additional state resources including high clearance vehicles, and a swift water rescue team has been secured to support the local emergency response. Emergency services has been in contact with the US Forest Service and the Pisgah National Forest is closing all campgrounds and most roads effective at 12 PM on Thursday September 26. Staff have contacted Schenck Job Corps, agriculture operators and communities in frequent flood areas to notify them of the impending potential for life threatening impacts from the storm. Storms in advance of Helene may result in 4-8 inches of rain Wednesday evening in addition to anticipated hurricane impacts that will follow. The resulting projection of excess of 10 inches of rain increases the risk of destabilizing soil that could result in landslides.
Emergency medical services is bringing in additional staffing to stage across the county and the County Emergency Operations Center is coordinating with our law enforcement, fire and rescue partners across the county to ensure emergency operations through the storm. The RedCross is deploying shelter support to be placed today and there will be emergency sheltering available, if needed.
The threat level at this time for catastrophic impact is the highest the county has seen in memory. All citizens are heavily encouraged to take the pending storm seriously and to be proactive. Secure all outdoor furniture and other items that may be subject to high winds or moveable assets in floodplains. Those in flood prone areas are cautioned to make arrangements for the next 48 hours to relocate including any livestock and be prepared for flood impacts throughout the county including impacts to transportation.
Emergency Response Update, 9/26/24 at 12:00 PM
Overnight Transylvania County saw significant rain totals. Hurricane Helene is expected to begin impacting the area in the afternoon/evening today. While there appears to be a temporary break in the weather, the most severe weather is yet to come. Emergency management is coordinating with partner agencies and making emergency provisions to address impacts expected overnight. All citizens are advised to limit travel and prepare for high winds, flooding and potential mudslides with the potential for dangerous flashflooding. Those in flood prone areas are advised to make proactive arrangements for the next 48 hours. An update will be issued between 3 and 4 PM today with additional information.
The following roads remained closed:
As of 11:23 09/26/2024
Barclay Rd at the French Broad River bridge
Baynard Rd
Cascade Lake Rd / Little River Campground Rd
Davidson River Rd near Old Hendersonville Hwy
East Fork Rd near Glady Fork Rd
Green Rd near Hannah Ford Rd
Hart Rd / Eagles Nest
Island Ford Rd / Walnut Hollow Rd
Merrill Ln / Cascade Lake Rd
Hannah Ford Rd near the upper end
Wilson Rd / Water Treatment Plant
Jaime Laughter, AICP, ICMA-CM
County Manager/ Emergency Management Public Information Officer
Transylvania County
Declaration of Local State of Emergency for Transylvania County.pdf
2024-09-25 Press Release, Transylvania County Issues State of Emergency.pdf