Record river flooding expected in Western NC

Flooding in Buncombe County and surrounding areas of Western North Carolina has led to mandatory evacuation orders as rivers overflow past spillways.

Though Hurricane Helene has now been downgraded to a tropical storm, its path toward WNC has left outages, flooding and landslides in its wake.

In a 12:30 p.m. bulletin, Buncombe County said rivers in the county have not yet crested. The press release urged residents to continue to seek higher ground and shelter in place. Do not drive unless you are moving to higher ground.

Here’s what we know about flooding at the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers associated with several evacuation orders.

Asheville flooding, WNC

NOAA and USGS river gauges show flooding in WNC river basins. The flood stage begins at 9.5 feet, considered minor flooding. 13 feet is considered moderate flooding, while 18 feet is considered major flooding.

French Broad at Asheville – 13.75 feet as of 7:45 a.m. Predicted to peak at 21 feet at 8 p.m.

French Broad at Fletcher – 20.35 feet as of 8:15 a.m. Predicted to peak at a record-breaking 30.5 feet at 8 p.m.

French Broad River near Marshall – 12.21 feet as of 8 a.m. Predicted to peak at 19 feet at 8 p.m.

Swannanoa River at Biltmore – 17.72 feet as of 8:30 a.m. Predicted to peak at 21 feet at 2 p.m.

French Broad River at Rosman (USGS) – 13.38 feet at 8:30 a.m.

Flood advisories

Flood advisories are active for:

• French Broad River At Marshall affecting Madison County.
• French Broad River Near Hot Springs affecting Madison County.
• French Broad River At Blantyre affecting Transylvania and Henderson Counties.
• French Broad River At Asheville affecting Buncombe County.
• French Broad River Near Fletcher affecting Henderson and Buncombe Counties.
• Swannanoa River At Biltmore affecting Buncombe County.

Tropical storm warnings are also active for much of WNC. Visit your area’s NWS forecast page for specifics.

Asheville evacuations, WNC

Mandatory evacuations are underway in several areas due to flooding.

Waters at the North Fork Reservoir have gone over the spillway, leading Buncombe County to order mandatory evacuation for residents in the following areas:

• Individuals between North Fork Road to Old U.S. 70, following the Swannanoa River all the way to Biltmore Village should evacuate.
• Areas of evacuation include:o North Fork Road south to U.S. 70o U.S. 70 west to Old Farm School Roado Old Farm School to Azalea Roado Azalea Road to Swannanoa River Roado Swannanoa River Road to Biltmore Village

Due to flooding of a lake with a dam at Camp Ridgecrest for Girls, a mandatory evacuation order is also in effect for 105 Balsam Road from the camp south to U.S. 70 in Black Mountain.

Yesterday, Sept. 26, McDowell County Emergency Services issued an alert urging residents living near creeks, rivers, and streams that are at high risk of flash flooding to evacuate.

The Haywood County sheriff said to consider all of the county roads closed until further notice due to flooding.

This story will be updated.

More:Tropical Storm Helene: Mandatory evacuation order for areas along Swannanoa River

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.