OPEN THREAD I FLOODING 09-26-2024 9.30AM THURSDAY UNTIL ?PM

OPEN THREAD I
FLOODING
09-26-2024
9.30AM THURSDAY UNTIL ?PM


. Today's weather briefing is available online at https://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2024/09/wx20240926.html

Please use this thread to report any road conditions you may observe, share pictures or video storm damage or high water. You can also ask questions about road conditions and someone in the community may know what you are seeking. Remember to be kind to one another and helpful if you can. We're all neighbors.

Safety Information (including non-emergency numbers) for the Upcoming Severe Weather Event (Wednesday-Friday) can be found at https://thunderpigblog.blogspot.com/2024/09/safety-information-for-upcoming-severe.html

Use those numbers when there are no lives in danger.

The Fakebook (misspelled on purpose) version of this article can be found at https://www.facebook.com/MaconMediaNews/posts/pfbid02PeTuscD6cKGqSMieP2dQyZfvwfWcaioVSPVCsZCaWV7eE61QKP9FDvR8bsDSSrhTl?__cft__[0]=AZV_XoIM8eFpNADWf19mEamHtWoM3mQV0orCnCrZViM-1poy2fDF-8qIzAWNscH6yE45o0uul6yIAs3meKUc23g7zr7-P9xD69BoWcQpsKnAmqseeuHtWmcSUWcx9c0JVkPxwkc1xHHpkeFXr5LWSX58FTe4DsmKCV25GXePRiC7oQ&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

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STORM SPONSOR
Young Tree Service
828-421-0967
youngtreeservice.com
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.
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The ground starting to become saturated and there are reports of minor flooding and there have been calls of concern regarding bridges over creeks that are about to be flooded.

The main part of the rain from Helene has not reached Macon County yet and the winds will reach here later tonight or early in the morning tomorrow.

If you have to get and about today, please use caution and be on the lookout for standing or running water on the roadways. Please allow extra distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Please try to have all your hurricane and flood shopping done early today so you don't have to go out later today and tomorrow.

An additional three to five inches or rain is possible today and tonight for most of the county, with higher elevations potentially receiving five to eight inches, with the higher totals expected to happen in the southeast corner of the county on, and near, the Highlands Plateau. Winds will also be the greatest in this area later tonight.

Multiple power outages are likely over the next 36 hours and may last for a few days beyond that depending on how bad things get.

Information will be added in reverse chronological order here, including reports from the community.

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**5.06pm** 

I'll be grabbing some sleep for a few hours before the rain and winds start increasing. If you don't have to be out and about over the next 24 hours, please don't. Stay at home unless you'll be in greater danger staying where you are. If emergency personnel shows up where you are to ask you to evacuate, please be ready with your important documents.

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**4.56pm** The latest video from Macon MEdia's favorite meteorologist who isn't named James Spann.
[Thursday] Hurricane Helene on Final Approach to Florida; Extreme Impacts Expected in Some Areas | Tropical Tidbits

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**3.43pm**

Look who I saw while surveying the conditions of the Cullasaja River?

I'd like to take a moment and express appreciation for Young Tree Service for being a loyal sponsor of Macon Media these last few years. Sponsors like them and those of you who donate help keep me fed, clothed, and able to buy equipment to do what I do. Thank You All.

---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 or visit YoungTreeService.com for more information.
---End Sponsor Segment---

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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.

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**3.25pm**

Franklin VFD is responding to a report of a powerline on fire near 200 Sanderstown Road.

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Macon County is now under a State of Emergency due the projected impacts of the remnants of Hurricane Helene. A copy is below, as well as a copy of a press release from the county emergency management regarding this storm.

---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.

---End Sponsor Segment---

PROCLAMATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY
MACON COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA


Section 1. Pursuant to Macon Coliunty Ordinance Chapter 31 and Chapter 166 of the North Carolina General Statutes and the specific authority granted pursuant to NCGS §166A-19.22, I have determined that a S ate of Emergency as defined in County Ordinance 31-3 exists in the County of Macon as result of the heavy rainfall and gusty winds that may affect our region.

Section 2. I, therefore, proclaim the existence of a State of Emergency in the County of Macon.

,-• Section 3. The area of the State of Emergency shall include all of Macon County not ineluding any area within the corporate limits of any municipality.

Section 4. Any and all applicable local plans, mutual assistance compacts and agreements are authorized along with the furnishing of assistance thereunder.

Section 5. This proclamation shall become effective on September 26, 2024 at 11am

GARY SHIELDS, CHAIRMAN
MACON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

; MACON COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX
5 WEST P.IAIN STREET FRANKLIN, NORTH CAROLINA 28734
PHONE 828-349-2000 FAX: 828-349-2400

Press Release
Macon County Emergency Services
September 26, 2024
Warren Cabe, Director

As the remnants of Hurricane Helene approach our area, moderate to heavy rainfall continues to affect Macon County. Rain is expected to continue into tonight and early tomorrow and streams could rise rapidly. Windy conditions may also cause trees to fall in some locations due to saturated soil conditions. Monitor local media outlets for weather information. Do not drive through flooded roadways and be prepared for isolated power outages. Decrease your speed while driving. If you live in flood prone areas be prepared for flooding events. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies but do not call 9-1-1 for road conditions or power outages. Report power outages to your utility provider.


Published at 3.10pm on Wednesday, September 26, 2024

**2.46pm** 

Macon County Solid Waste NC

  · 

*****ATTENTION*****

All Recycling Centers will close at 5:30PM today 9/26/2024 due to inclement weather moving in to the area. Centers may not be open tomorrow depending on weather conditions. Please call before visiting to make sure that the center is open.

The Highlands Transfer Station will be closed until at least Monday, September 30, 2024, due to Highway 106 closure.

Our Office will be checking road conditions and will determine when it is safe to re-open the facilities.

Thanks

Solid Waste Management

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**2.27pm** 

I was away from the internet from shortly before noon just now so I could take some photos and video of the Cullasaja River before th e main part of the storm arrived and ended up crashing a wedding and videoing it down by the river. 

Video and photos will be posted later after I exchange information with the officiant so I have everyone's names. The young couple is from Charleston, SC.

**2.22pm** 

Franklin VFD is investigating a smoking transformer on Lakeside Dive in the vicinity of Kingwood Circle.

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**10.54am**

Mesoscale Precipitation Discussion 1066 

NWS Weather Prediction Center 

College Park MD 

1049 AM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

Areas affected...Southern Appalachians

Concerning...Heavy rainfall...Flash flooding likely

Valid 261449Z - 262030Z

Summary...Widespread heavy rain downstream of Hurricane Helene will continue today into the Southern Appalachians. Rainfall rates of 1-2"/hr are likely, which through repeating rounds could produce 2-3" of rain with local maxima of 5". This will enhance flash flooding, with significant impacts becoming likely across the Southern Blue Ridge.

Discussion...The regional radar mosaic this morning shows an expansive area of heavy rain across much of the Southeast and into the Southern Appalachians. This is associated with a pronounced moisture plume noted in the GOES-E WV imagery extending downstream from Hurricane Helene in the Gulf of Mexico. PWs within this moisture plume have been measured as high as 1.75 to 2.0 inches on the 12Z U/A observed soundings from KRAX and KFFC. Instability is somewhat limited, only around 100-250 J/kg of MLCAPE, but deep layer ascent is impressive. Mid-level divergence between Helene and a pronounced upper low over IN is combining with a nearly stationary poleward arcing jet streak over TN to leave favorable RRQ over the region, while low-level SE flow continues to upslope into the terrain. In this environment, rainfall rates have already been measured via MRMS as high as 1.25", and these will likely continue through the aftn.

During the next several hours, persistent moderate to heavy rain with rates 0.5-1"/hr will lift northward across the area, with embedded convective cells producing locally enhanced rain rates to 2"/hr as reflected by HRRR 15-min rainfall exceeding 0.5". 850mb inflow will remain out of the S/SE through the aftn while gradually intensifying to above 30 kts, resulting in moisture flux that is progged by the SREF to exceed +3 sigma later today. This impressive moisture advection combining with nearly unchanging robust ascent will result in continuous rainfall into areas that have already received 4-8+" of rain the past 24-hours. The HREF neighborhood probabilities indicate a 50-70% (10-20%) chance of more than 3" (5") of rain the next 6 hours, with the highest probabilities across Upstate SC and into far western NC along the Blue Ridge. Elsewhere in northeast GA, eastern TN, and southwest VA, 1-3" of additional rainfall is likely through the aftn.

This rainfall occurring atop saturated soils, sensitive terrain, and ongoing flash flooding, will almost certainly enhance impacts across the region. FFG has been extremely compromised to as low as 0.25"/3hrs for which the HREF exceedance probabilities reach above 70%. This lends high confidence to flash flooding and impacts as rain continues across the region. However, across the Blue Ridge, current streamflow anomalies are as much as 400-600% of normal, so any additional rainfall could quickly result in significant and life-threatening flash flood impacts.

Additional rainfall this evening will almost certainly necessitate future MPD issuances across this region with widespread significant flash flooding, and possibly locally catastrophic impacts, developing as the rain persists and becomes even more intense into tonight.

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**10.20am**

Scaly Mountain VFD is responding to a report that the road (NC-106/Dillard Road) has (or is about to be) washed away just south of the Blue Valley Overlook. The highway patrol reports a motor grader just passed him on the way to that location.

The chief has canceled the response due to NCDOT already being on the way..

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**10.06am**

From NCWorks Career Center-Macon County NC:

PSA, PSA, PSA!  Our Career Center IS Closing at 11am Today due to the impending inclement weather.  NCWORKS Online is available 24/7 for work search.  We have periodic access to email.  Please STAY SAFE! 

Source: Facebook 

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**9.40am** A Reader reports that a Dollar General Truck is headed up Buck Creek Road.

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**9.35am** 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)

North Carolina 

11,127 customers from multiple power utilities

South Carolina 

3,121 customers from multiple power utilities

Georgia 

14,598 customers from multiple power utilities

Macon County 2,887

Duke Energy 18 outages for 2,826 customers

Haywood EMC 1 outage for 62 customers 

Jackson County 196

Duke Energy 14 outages for 170 customers 

Haywood EMC 26 customers

Swain County 164

7 outages for 164 customers 

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**9.20am**

National Forests in North Carolina announces recreation site and road closures ahead of Hurricane Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Sep. 25, 2024) – The U.S. Forest Service today closed campgrounds, boat launches, developed recreation sites and roads on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in preparation for potential heavy rainfall, flooding and strong winds from Hurricane Helene. Reservations for recreation sites made through Recreation.gov will be refunded automatically. In addition, all Forest Service offices in western North Carolina will close starting at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Sep. 26, through Monday, Sep. 30, at 8 a.m. Visitor and employee safety are the highest priorities for the Forest Service. Please follow all closure orders until assessments can be completed due to the risk of falling limbs, downed trees, fallen electrical cables and flooding throughout both National Forests.  Click here for a full list of road and recreation site closures on the Nantahala National Forest.  Click here for a full list of road and recreation site closures on the Pisgah National Forest. For addition updates, visit the National Forests in North Carolina website or follow us on Facebook at @nfsnc.

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**9.02am** 

A reader reports "2 dogs on Wilkie Street with collars and it looks like either an invisible fence collar or a barking collar. Brendal coloring both larger in size." 

If these are your dogs, this is where they are wandering.

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**9.00am** Here are rainfall totals for the past 24 hours and for the past 6 hours. My intent os to post these every 6 hours so we can keep a running total. If I forget, please remind me. --Bobby

24 hours

6 hours

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**8.35am** 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)

North Carolina 

10,675 customers from multiple power utilities

South Carolina 

4,388 customers from multiple power utilities

Georgia 

7,091 customers from multiple power utilities

Macon County 

Duke Energy 18 outages for 1,022 customers
(mostly in the Burningtown area near the airport)

Haywood EMC 1 outage for 62 customers 
(mostly between Scaly Mountain and Highlands)

Jackson County 

Duke Energy 11 outages for 198 customers 

Haywood EMC 26 customers

Swain County 

8 outages for 206 customers 

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*8.27am**

There is a weather station at town hall for those interested in conditions on Main Street. See it at https://ambientweather.net/dashboard/4d5533c7867135d96d7efb1b5d0ed22f/graphs 

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**7.58am** 
Local firefighters are out and about patrolling flood-prone areas and keeping an eye on local bridges and water levels. Law Enforcement are doing their part, too.

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**7.39am** 
Franklin VFD is responding to a report of trees on fire due to downed power lines near 300 Lee Tallent Road

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Published at 7.30am on Thusday, September 26, 2024