National Weather Service Warns of Catastrophic Flooding and Landslides Due to Hurricane Helene

Tree across an almost flooded bridge on Turtle Pond Road on the afternoon of September 26, 2024. Photo by Bobby Coggins.

The National Weather Service has issued a Public Information Statement regarding anticipated Catastrophic Flooding and Landslides due to Hurricane Helene. Details are posted below.

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**3.30pm**

Public Information Statement...CORRECTED 

National Weather Service 

Greenville-Spartanburg SC 

159 PM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

...CATASTROPHIC FLOODING AND LANDSLIDES FOR THE MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS FROM HURRICANE HELENE...

This will be one of the most significant weather events to happen in the western portions of the area in the modern era. Record flooding is forecasted and has been compared to the floods of 1916 in the Asheville area. The impacts from this event are expected to be greater than Tropical Storm Fred from August 2021, the mountains in 2004 from Frances and Ivan, and in Upstate South Carolina the Saluda River Basin flooding from 1949. We plead with everyone that you take every single weather warning very seriously through the entirety of this event as impacts will be life- threatening and make sure to have multiple ways to receive the alerts. The protection of life and property is the overall mission of the National Weather Service, and we pledge to stand by the folks of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia. We cannot stress the significance of this event enough. Heed all evacuation orders from your local Emergency Managers and go to a storm shelter if you do not feel safe at your current location.

Landslides, including fast-moving debris flows consisting of water, mud, falling rocks, trees, and other large debris, are most likely within small valleys that drain steep slopes. Landslides are powerful and potentially deadly, capable of washing out roads, bridges, and homes. People living in areas prone to landslides should be aware of the danger and be prepared to act.