Governor Roy Cooper has declared a State of Emergency for Western North Carolina after heavy rains, mudslides and road closures. He is also issued a transportation waiver to expedite the movement of utility vehicles and others engaged in relief efforts. In a 24 hour period, four to seven inches of rain fell across portions of the mountains adding to the already heavily saturated ground.
Areas along the Blue Ridge have received from 10-20” of rain since May 15th, making conditions favorable for downed trees and mudslides. State and local officials are keeping a close watch on several rivers that are currently experiencing minor flooding. Roads have been closed in Avery, Watauga, Mitchell, McDowell, Buncombe, Henderson, Rutherford, Macon, Polk, Transylvania, Gaston, Catawba and Iredell counties.
Two people were killed in Boone after their home was damaged by the storm and collapsed. More than 200 people have sought refuge in shelters in McDowell, Buncombe, Polk and Rutherford counties. More than 6,500 power outages were reported across western counties.
Yesterday afternoon it was the true definition of flash flooding in Micaville. A quick thunderstorm brought on a deluge of rain that quickly flooded several areas of Highway 80. These storms can quickly flood roads with runoff from saturated grounds.
