Information will be added in reverse chronological order here, including reports from the community.
*
**7.35am**
A remote weather station near Highlands is reporting 49 mph sustained winds. The really hard-to-see green dots show wind gusts, which are now about 50mph.
**7.22am**
Firefighters report Buck Creek Road and Walnut Creek Road are blocked due to trees being down. All Y'all wanting to pass between Franklin and Highlands or vice versa will just have to wait a day or two.
**7.14am** Mountain Valley VFD is responding to a repof an accident on Sylva Road (US23-441) at the runaway truck ramp on Cowee Mountain. A car has struck some powerlines or a power pole.
**7.10am**
Cowee VFD is responding to a report of a tree down and on fire on Snowhill Falls Circle.
My Optimum Internet has gone down and I am using my backup Verizon Jetpack. If that goes, then I'm done reporting.
**7.03am**
There is a heavy rain band with high wind gusts exceeding 30 mph approaching Macon County from the southeast. It should be arriving in the Highlands area in about 30 minutes or so, then in the rest of the county after that. Higher wind speeds should begin reaching the lower elevations in the main valley soon, so be prepared. You should not be on the roads and you should be looking for somewhere to hunker down.
**6.32am**
There is a report of an accident (car vs powerlines) on Old Murphy Road at Gibson Cove Road. Macon EMS and Franklin VFD are responding.
**6.29am** The Highlands Road through the Cullasaja Gorge is in the process of being shut down due to flooding near the Turtle Pond Road intersection.
**6.23am**
Cullasaja Gorge Firefighters have observed water about to cover the bridge on Peaceful Cove Lane and are trying to wake residents up.
The EOC has sent Highlands VFD to check on reports that the river is in the roadway at Highlands Road and Turtle Pond Road. If it is, the road will be shut down.
**6.15am** POWER OUTAGE UPDATE
FRIDAY 09-27-2024
(remember that a power utility customer may include a household with multiple people, the actual number of people w/o power is higher)
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. STORM SPONSOR
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. Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media during this storm event.
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North Carolina 1.91%
112,484 customers from multiple power utilities
South Carolina 18.48%
533,854 customers from multiple power utilities
Georgia 17.22%
845,000 customers from multiple power utilities
Florida 10.59% out
1,196,673 customers from multiple power utilities
Macon County 5,100 (17.42%)
Jackson County 7,443 (24.77%)
Swain County 1,083 (8.90%)
Rabun County 7,564 46.78%
**6.08am** Cullasaja-Gorge VFD is responding to a tree on powerlines near 3400 Highlands Road.
**5.48am** The National Weather Service reports that multiple counties in western North Carolina are reporting catastrophic flooding and multiple water rescues are underway at this time.
**5.36am** An all-call has been issued for Cullasaja-Gorge Firefighters to standby at the main station to handle calls for the flooding today.
**5.30am** The gauge at Cullasaja River at Peaceful Cove Road indicated the river at that location is in minor flooding ing stage and headed to moderate flooding. Current level is 10.78 feet. Average is usually just below 2 feet.
**5.26am** Firefighters report flooding on Robbins Road in the Cowee Fire District.
**5.20am** Firefighters report Fred Vinson Road in the Otto fire district is underwater.
**5.18am** Firefighters report a large power line in the roadway at the intersection of Old Murphy Road and Roller Mill Road.
**5.13am** There will be no news and weather briefing today. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. --Bobby
**5.03am** Otto firefighters are attempting to ascertain if some residents near 3000 Middle Creek Road are okay and if they need assistance. The homes are currently surrounded by water.
**4.54am**
Just Donuts will be closed today.
**4.52am**
Firefighters and law enforcement are reporting numerous trees down in the roadways, often with powerlines entangled in them. If you really don't have to be out and about today, please stay at home.
**4.49am** Here is a radar loop showing HUrricane Helene from 8.41pm last night to 4.36am this morning. You can see a band or two of the storm has passed over Macon County already.
**4.38am**
A Mesoscale Discussionhas been issued by the Weather Prediction Center that impacts our area. They are forecasting heavy rain that will likely lead to flooding and 4 to 7 inches of additional rainfall. A copy is posted below.
Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion 1073
NWS Weather Prediction Center
College Park MD
434 AM EDT Fri Sep 27 2024
Areas affected...northeastern GA into western SC/NC and southwestern VA
Concerning...Heavy rainfall...Flash flooding likely
Valid 270830Z - 271430Z
SUMMARY...Severe to catastrophic flash flooding will be likely for portions of western SC/TN this morning. Additional rainfall totals of 4 to 7 inches, at least locally through 14Z, will pose a threat to life with potential for landslides due to saturated soils and swollen rivers/creeks.
DISCUSSION...Hurricane Helene was located over eastern GA at 08Z, just north of Eastman, tracking rapidly toward the NNE between 25-30 kt over the past 6 hours. Water vapor imagery showed Helene interacting with a closed upper level low over northeastern AR, which is expected to cause the hurricane to turn toward the northwest later this morning. Recent trends in infrared satellite imagery showed some cloud top warming with Helene, indicative of weakening, but Helene remained a large and powerful tropical system with a symmetric appearance in colder cloud tops.
925-850 mb winds were strongest to the east of Helene, with VAD wind data at KCLX showing 80-90 kt, with area VAD winds showing 50-70 kt from the western NC/SC border into northeastern GA. Gradual weakening of these winds is expected over the next 3-6 hours and the quick northward motion will at least limit the duration of extreme moist ascent into the terrain but a significant duration of high rainfall rates is still anticipated into portions of the Blue Ridge. As Helene continues its northward track, expect rainfall rates of 1-2 in/hr to expand northward with potential for some terrain locations to see 2-4 hours of rainfall rates near/above 1 in/hr.
Estimated rainfall totals (via multi-sensor MRMS output) showed 6 to 12+ inches of rain have fallen over the past 48 hours from northeastern GA into western SC/NC along the southeast facing slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Areas of flash flooding are already ongoing and widespread across the region and an additional 4 to 7 inches (locally) through 14Z is expected to produce severe to catastrophic levels of flash flooding with potential for landslides and threats to life and property. Experimental WoFS data from 07Z showed the probability of exceeding 5 inches through 13Z to be 70+ percent in eastern Yancey County and 40+ percent in southern Haywood County (both in western NC) where upslope enhancement is expected to be maximized due to terrain influences. This is a high confidence forecast and there is strong model support for the location of heaviest rainfall over the next 6 hours.
**4.27am** A copy of the Declaration of Emergency from yesterday has been relayed to Macon Media. A copy is posted below...
DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, on September 26,2024Hunicane Helene impacted the mountains of Western North Carolina with excessive rainfall, strong winds, and widespread loss of power; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the above-described disaster, I have determined that there is an imminent threat of, or existing conditions have caused or will cause, widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property; and
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Mayor of the Town of Frankin under Article lA of Chapter 166,{ of the North Carolina General Statutes and Chapter 34 of the Town of Franklin Code of Ordinances:
Section l. A State of Emergency is hereby declared within the jurisdiction of the Town of Franklin.
Section 2. The emergency area covered by this state of emergency shall be the entire jurisdiction of the Town of Franklin including its extraterritorial jurisdiction areas.
Section 3. Any and all applicable local plans, mutual assistance compacts and agreements are authorized along with the furnishing of assistance thereunder.
Section 4. I hereby order this declaration:
(a) to be distributed to the news media and other organizations calculated to bring its contents to the attention of the general public;
(b) to be filed with Clerk to the Town of Franklin Town Council and
(c) to be distributed to others as necessary to ensure proper implementation of this declaration.
Section 5. This declaration shall take effect on Wednesday, September 26,2024 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, and shall remain in effect until modified or rescinded.
DECLARED this the 26th Day of September,2024 by Mayor Jack Horton
**4.22am** MCSO reports a tree blocking the road near 3300 Burngtown Road.
**4.12am** The National Weather Service reports numerous water rescues are taking place at this time in Haywood County and has declared a Flash Flood Emergency.
**4.00m** POWER OUTAGE UPDATE
FRIDAY 09-27-2024
(remember that a power utility customer may include a household with multiple people, the actual number of people w/o power is higher)
. ---Begin Sponor Segment---
. STORM SPONSOR
.
. Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media during this storm event.
. They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 for more information.
.
WEATHER SPONSOR
.
Nurture Within Counseling PLLC
.
Feeling lost or weighed down by life’s challenges? Therapy can provide the support you need to navigate through it. Nurture Within Counseling has immediate availability and accepts Cigna, BCBS, and Aetna. Reach out today for therapy!
.
. Www.nurturewithinnc.com
. Email: admin@nurturewithinnc.com
. Call: 828-392-6653
. ---End Sponsor Segment---
.
North Carolina 0.74%
43,705 customers from multiple power utilities
South Carolina 5.09%
143,595 customers from multiple power utilities
Georgia 11.89%
583,409 customers from multiple power utilities
Florida 11.33% out
1,292,115 customers from multiple power utilities
Macon County 849 (2.90%)
Duke Energy 52 outages for 1,947 customers (7.29%)
Haywood EMC 0 outages for 350 customers (14.3%)
Jackson County 2,937 (9.77%)
Duke Energy 59 outages for 1,970 customers (7.11%)
Haywood EMC 1,113 customers (47.6%)
Swain County 920 (7.56%)
19 outages for 920 customers
**3.50am** This is from the Area Forecast Discussion of the National Weather Service:
***A HISTORIC RAINFALL EVENT IS UNDERWAY FOR THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS AND VICINITY WITH WIDESPREAD/LOCALLY CATASTROPHIC FLASH FLOODING EXPECTED***
As of 315 am: Moderate to heavy rain continues across the forecast area early this morning. Rainfall rates associated with the ongoing activity are relatively tame...generally .25-.5" per hour (albeit locally heavier). Nevertheless, flash flooding continues to steadily worsen...especially across portions of the NC Blue Ridge. The center of Hurricane Helene is currently near Vidalia, GA...and is already accelerating (current speed ~40 mph) toward the north. Tropical rainbands...possibly producing rainfall rates of 1-2" per hour... will begin to rotate across the CWA during the 08-12Z time frame. This is when the flash flood situation...which is already severe in some areas...will become potentially catastrophic... especially in locations that received the brunt of the predecessor event over the past 36 hours (i.e., counties encompassing the Blue Ridge escarpment...note that this also includes the city of Asheville and vicinity). It's very possible that ongoing warnings will be upgraded to EMERGENCY designation in these areas. Reservoirs along the Catawba River chain are also running high and these could be breached as enuf water may not be able to be released beforehand. Additional rainfall amounts of 3-6 inches are expected across all but the southern and eastern fringe of the CWA (where 1.5-3" are expected). This additional rainfall will result in...at the very least..."run-of-the-mill" flash flooding across much of the remainder of the CWA.
Winds remain a secondary concern...but nonetheless quite concerning, as Helene made landfall as a Cat 4 last evening, and the fast-moving nature of the cyclone isn't giving it a lot of time to weaken as the expanding wind field advances toward the forecast area. Gusts of 35 to 45 kts are being reported as far north as Augusta...about 90 miles north of the cyclone center...and confidence is increasing that damaging winds (gusts 55-65 mph) are going to be realized across at least the western part of our area, especially as the tropical bands around the center begin pushing in around daybreak. Gusts across the higher elevations could reach 80 mph. The combination of these wind gusts with saturated soil is likely to result in widespread power outages across the western half of the area.
Helene will continue to advance quickly W=>NW of the forecast area late this morning into the afternoon, with quickly improving weather conditions as the column dries quickly. However, flooding on some larger tributaries will linger into at least Saturday, while main stem river flooding will linger into early next week.
**3.42am** Here is a look at a hydrograph showing the rise in water on the Little Tennessee near Prentiss in Macon County.
**3.38am** My power is flickering, so if I stop posting, you'll know why...
**3.19AM
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
Damage Potential: Considerable
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
311 AM EDT Fri Sep 27 2024
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for... Jackson County in western North Carolina... Macon County in western North Carolina...
* Until 815 AM EDT.
* At 311 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 6 and 9 inches of rain have fallen. Significant flooding appears likely across much of the warned area, with numerous road closures and water rescues likely, damage to even well-built structures, and standing in low-lying areas.
HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Franklin, Sylva, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Highlands, Balsam, Webster, Dillsboro, Cashiers, Lake Glenville, B.R. Parkway-Smoky Mountains To Balsam Gap, B.R. Parkway-Balsam Gap To Black Balsam Area, Black Balsam Area, Nantahala Lake, B.R. Parkway-Black Balsam To Mount Pisgah, Ellijay, Cullasaja, Savannah, Cowee and Tuckasegee.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen for falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris.
**3.05am** Otto VFD is responding to a report of a tree down on a residence. It has come through the ceiling and is blocking the exits so the residents are trapped, but uninjured. This is on Mulberry Trail..
**2.52am**
Wind speeds and wind gusts are continuing to increase. Sustained winds are on the left side of the station and wind gusts on the right side of stations on the map posted. As with all images, click on the image to embiggen it to a larger size.
**2.50AM** The Flash Flood Warning has been extended to 6am. A copy is posted below.
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service
Greenville-Spartanburg SC
245 AM EDT Fri Sep 27 2024
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has extended the
* Flash Flood Warning for... Northeastern Rabun County in northeastern Georgia... Southeastern Jackson County in western North Carolina... Southeastern Macon County in western North Carolina... Western Polk County in western North Carolina... Transylvania County in western North Carolina... Northern Greenville County in upstate South Carolina... Northeastern Oconee County in upstate South Carolina... Northwestern Pickens County in upstate South Carolina...
* Until 600 AM EDT.
* At 245 AM EDT, Moderate to heavy rainfall through the day has resulted in between 4 and 8 inches of rain across the area. 911 call center reports that there are numerous road closures across southern Transylvania County due to flooding. An area of moderate to at times heavy rain is lifting north across the area and will result in additional flooding issues, especially along the Blue Ridge escarpment. The expected rainfall rate is 1 to 2 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by heavy rain.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Brevard, Columbus, Slater-Marietta, Tryon, Lake Lure, Highlands, Saluda, Rosman, Cashiers, Table Rock State Park, Caesars Head State Park, Dupont State Forest, Jones Gap State Park, Jocassee Gorges, Gorges State Park, Lake Toxaway, Pleasant Ridge State Park, Lake Jocassee, Keowee Toxaway State Park and Devils Fork State Park.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen for falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
**2.43am** Highlands VFD is responding to a report of powerlines on fire across the road from the Bascsom.
BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service
Greenville-Spartanburg SC
1248 AM EDT Fri Sep 27 2024
The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg has issued a
* Flash Flood Warning for... Northern Jackson County in western North Carolina... Macon County in western North Carolina... Southeastern Swain County in western North Carolina...
* Until 400 AM EDT.
* At 1248 AM EDT, Doppler radar indicated a band of thunderstorms producing rain rates of 2 or more inches per hour. Many locations across the warned area have already received 3 to 6 inches today, and the additional rainfall will result in imminent onset of flash flooding, especially in low-lying areas. A few landslides could also result as rain rates pick up and the ground becomes saturated.
HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms.
SOURCE...Radar.
IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.
* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Franklin, Sylva, Cherokee, Cullowhee, Highlands, Balsam, Webster, Dillsboro, Nantahala Lake, B.R. Parkway-Smoky Mountains To Balsam Gap, B.R. Parkway-Balsam Gap To Black Balsam Area, Smoky Mountains-Balsam Mountain, Cowee, Cullasaja, Ellijay, Burningtown, Savannah, Otto, Wayah Bald and Scaly Mountain.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Heavy rain is increasing the risk of landslides, especially in areas where slides have occurred in the past. Be especially alert if you are near a stream, especially at the base of a mountain or in a cove. Watch for loose-moving soil and rocks or a sudden increase in streamflow. Leave the area quickly if this is observed. When driving along roads where the terrain is steep or rocky, watch and listen for falling rocks, mud, trees and other debris.
Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles.
Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.
Flooding is occurring or is imminent. It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become killers in heavy rains. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks.
**12.37am**
Remote weather stations are starting to record wind gusts above 20 mph on the Highlands Plateau and in the higher elevations.
Locust Gap has had a 14 mph wind gust and the Sylva Airport a 24 mph wind gust.
**12.10am**
From Evan Fisher on Twitter:
The next 24 hours in WNC #NCwx
8p-11p: Moderate to heavy rain
11p-2a: Occasional breaks in the rain
2a-4a: Increasing wind and light rain
4a-6a: Strong wind and moderate rain
6a-10a: Extreme rain and wind
10a-12p: Rain moving out, flood waters still rising
12p-8p: Peak flooding
Source: https://x.com/EFisherWX/status/1839462451651191233
**11.31pm**
Here is a radar loop centered over Lafayette County, Florida from 9.16pm to 11.25pm.
Macon County is in the center-right of the top of the image.
**11.15pm**
Starting a new open thread.
**10.45pm** POWER OUTAGE UPDATE
(remember that a power utility customer may include a household with multiple people, the actual number of people w/o power is higher)
.
. ---Begin Sponor Segment---
. STORM SPONSOR
.
. Young Tree Service is sponsoring Macon Media during this storm event.
. They provide complete tree care, are licensed and insured. Specializing in low ground impact. Danger tree removal. Crane Service, Pruning, Views, 24 hr emergency service. Call 828-421-0967 for more information.
.
WEATHER SPONSOR
.
Nurture Within Counseling PLLC
.
Feeling lost or weighed down by life’s challenges? Therapy can provide the support you need to navigate through it. Nurture Within Counseling has immediate availability and accepts Cigna, BCBS, and Aetna. Reach out today for therapy!
.
. Www.nurturewithinnc.com
. Email: admin@nurturewithinnc.com
. Call: 828-392-6653
. ---End Sponsor Segment---
.
North Carolina 2.1%
12,307 customers from multiple power utilities
South Carolina 1.95%
5,492 customers from multiple power utilities
Georgia 6.23%
30,580 customers from multiple power utilities
Florida 6.62% out
754,276 customers from multiple power utilities
Macon County 246 (0.84%)
Duke Energy 13 outages for 246 customers
Haywood EMC 0 outages for 12 customers
Jackson County 36 (0.12%)
Duke Energy 4 outages for 24 customers
Haywood EMC 12 customers
Swain County 164 (1.14%)
4 outages for 139 customers
#WNCscan #MaconTraffic #MaconSafety
#WNCnews MaconWx #MaconWeather
#HELENE2024 #TropWx #TropicalWeather
Published at 11.15pm on Thursday, September 26, 2024
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