Burnsville, NC – Yancey County continues to be under a county-wide state of emergency due to heavy rain and flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Florence. Severe flooding has made a number of roads and bridges throughout Yancey County impassable. Emergency management and county officials warn residents to not travel the roadways unless absolutely necessary. Do not drive through standing or flowing water, turn around, don’t drown! Periods of heavy rain are expected to continue until at least midnight Sunday and into Monday, further deteriorating travel conditions in the area. Yancey County is under a flash flood watch until Tuesday.
All fire stations in Yancey County are being staffed 24 hours a day through this storm. Officials remind residents to shelter in place and call 911 for emergency or life-threatening situations only. Do not call 911 for road conditions. Emergency management officials encourage residents to keep informed of this developing situation by listening to WKYK radio, and on Facebook on the Yancey County E-911 page and the Yancey County Sheriff Office page.
Officials offer some essential tips to help manage through this storm.
Tips for Emergency Plans and Supplies Kit:
• Be sure your emergency supply kits have enough bottled water and non-perishable food to sustain each family member for three to seven days. Include a weather radio, flashlight, extra batteries, toiletries, change of clothes, blankets or sleeping bag, rain gear and appropriate footwear. Also include cell phone charger, prescription medicines, copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance policies.
• Prepare your home. Clean out gutters and clear property of debris that could damage buildings in strong winds.
• Do not drive through standing water or flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown!
• Do not operate gas-powered generators or burners inside.
• Stay tuned to local news for the latest advisories from the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center (NHC), as well as state and local emergency management officials.
• Only call 911 for emergency situations.
