Tropical Storm Helene Updates
Mayor Barbara Volk amended the State of Emergency in Hendersonville to include a curfew from 8 PM to 8 AM.
UPDATES:
9/28/24 1:30 PM
Critical City of Hendersonville infrastructure at the Water Treatment Plant and water distribution system have been impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
The following update is provided to customers on Hendersonville’s water system:
Portions of the water system are experiencing periods of low pressure and outages in the distribution system. Periods of low or no pressure in the distribution system increase the potential for back siphonage and introduction of bacteria into the water system. Interruptions of water service requires the issuance of a System Pressure Advisory.
When water service is restored, consumers who have electric or alternative power are advised to boil all water used for human consumption (including drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food preparation). Those without power are advised to use bottled water for the purposes mentioned above.
When water systems experience low pressure or loss of pressure, there is an increased risk of contamination. This does not mean that the water is contaminated, but that the possibility exists, and customers are notified.
9/27/24 11:00 PM
Critical City of Hendersonville infrastructure including the Water Treatment Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant have been impacted by Tropical Storm Helene.
The Hendersonville Water Treatment Plant is not operating at full capacity. Once the flooding recedes and crews are able to safely access the Mills River intake, they will evaluate and determine when the intake can be brought fully back online and restore production to regular levels.
There are multiple line breaks and leaks throughout the distribution system. Due to the challenges of navigating through the county, crews have been unable to fully assess damaged lines and infrastructure.
We are aware of two large sections of the system that are without water. Customers east of I-26 are without water due to breaks in the system and depleted eastside storage tank. Saluda customers are without water due to a break in the transmission line. There is the potential for additional customers to lose water. Staff are continuing to assess the situation and will evaluate the water loss levels to determine if additional portions of the system need to be isolated.
Customers who have experienced low pressure or no pressure are advised to follow the City’s System Pressure Advisory protocols. This includes utilizing bottled water or boiling water before consumption if the customer has that option.
System Pressure Advisory Information is at www.hvlnc.gov/wateralerts.
Customers who are fortunate enough to have water are asked to conserve water for only essential uses until the system can be repaired and water restored to all customers.
The City of Hendersonville’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is completely down at this time. The City of Hendersonville’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is completely down at this time. Once floodwaters recede at the plant, assessments will be made in order to bring the plant back online.
9/27/24 11:15 AM
Due to the historic impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, the City of Hendersonville is responding to many urgent situations including operating the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants under extraordinary circumstances.
Hendersonville water customers are asked to voluntarily reduce non-essential water use. The water treatment plant is currently operating, but intake capacity has been reduced, due to the Mills River intake being disabled by the storm. Personnel will work to restore the intake once crews can safely access the infrastructure.
Learn about water conservation
9/27/24 8:00 AM
Do Not Drive Alert
Henderson County and the City of Hendersonville have issued a Do Not Drive Alert for any non-emergency travel during this time. Consider all roads in Henderson County as closed until the major storm impacts have passed and the threat of falling trees and flooded roadways have subsided. Henderson County has hundreds of active calls in our dispatch system, and it is currently unsafe to travel.
Do not enter flooded roadways or try to drive. The only reason you should be travelling is if you are evacuating to higher ground due to flooding.
9/26/24 10:00 PM
Based on the expected impacts of Tropical Storm Helene, the City of Hendersonville has enacted the Flood Response Plan Level 4. Evacuations are likely in areas in the 500-year floodplain. Follow Emergency Management directives.
9/26/24 4:00 PM
The Henderson County Emergency Operations Center Phone Number is 828-771-6670.
911 should only be used for emergencies.
Watch the Henderson County/Buncombe County video update.
9/26/24 12:00 PM
Henderson County has opened an Emergency Shelter at the Athletics and Activities Center located at 708 South Grove Street.
9/26/24 10:30 AM
9/26/24 10:00 AM
Residents and businesses in the floodway and floodplain should review the urgent preparedness information. View the floodway announcement.
URGENT FLOOD WARNING: Severe Flooding Expected in Hendersonville, NC
To Property Owners in the 100-Year Floodplain and Floodway of Hendersonville, NC:
**This has been updated to the 500-Year Floodplain and Floodway.**
A storm with the potential to cause catastrophic flooding is forecasted to impact our region. This storm could bring extreme rainfall and severe flooding far beyond typical floodplain risks. If you are a commercial business owner, we strongly encourage you to close during this extreme weather event.
If your property is in the 500-year floodplain or Floodway, you are at an increased risk of catastrophic flooding.
View the map at the following website to see if you are located in the floodplain or floodway: https://hendersonville.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bb38d07608c6407f80340b1768f209ae
Please take these steps immediately:
1) Prepare to Evacuate
Make arrangements to leave as soon as possible.
Follow official evacuation orders promptly if issued.
2) Secure Your Property
Move valuables and important documents to higher ground.
Shut off utilities such as gas, electricity, and water to reduce hazards.
3) Stay Informed
Monitor local news, weather alerts, and official notifications from Henderson County Emergency Management for real-time updates.
Sign up for emergency alerts and visit www.ready.gov/floods for preparedness guides.
4) Do Not Enter Floodwaters
Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, as they can be extremely dangerous.
5) Follow Local Authorities’ Instructions
Adhere to all road closures, shelter recommendations, and other emergency services guidance.
Your safety is our top priority. Flood conditions could escalate rapidly. Act now to protect yourself, your family, and your property.
For more information and assistance:
For emergencies, dial 911.
Ongoing updates will be posted at www.hvlnc.gov/flooding
Henderson County emergency preparedness information is available at https://www.hendersoncountync.gov/em
9/26/24 8:00 AM Preparedness Message / Flood Level 3
Based on the current situation and forecast a Level 3 Flooding Alert has been issued by the City of Hendersonville. Significant flooding is occurring on Hendersonville streets with catastrophic life-threatening flash flooding in the forecast.
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch, Flash Flood Warning, and Tropical Storm Warning for the Hendersonville area. Multiple areas in the City of Hendersonville are flooded with historic amounts of rain in the forecast. Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
Based on the current situation, the City of Hendersonville has upgraded the Flood Response Plan to a Level 3 – Significant Flooding Phase. Barricades have been deployed in flooded areas and pre-deployed in areas of potential flooding by Public Safety and Public Works Departments.
Motorists are reminded to ‘Turn Around Don’t Drown’ and seek alternate routes of travel if they encounter a flooded roadway. Do not drive around barricades! Citations can be issued for drivers who ignore barricades and put themselves, others, and emergency responders at risk.
Key notes from the 6:00 AM National Weather Service Update: A “predecessor” rainfall will continue to impact the area ahead of Helene through today. This is a region of heavy rainfall that develops in advance of the main rain bands associated with tropical cyclones. The flash flood threat today will be greatest along and near the Blue Ridge Escarpment prior to Helene, with additional amounts of 4-7” with locally higher amounts expected. Significant flash flooding is likely to develop in these areas before Helene’s rain bands arrive tonight. The main tropical rain bands associated with Helene will move into the area tonight, peaking between midnight and noon Friday before tapering off. Additional rainfall amounts of 3 to 6 inches with locally higher amounts are expected during this time, with lesser amounts east toward the I-77 corridor. This rainfall on top of already-saturated soils and ongoing flash flooding will worsen flash flood impacts, with locally catastrophic, life-threatening flash flooding possible in areas along and near the Blue Ridge escarpment. Vulnerable areas need to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Areas that normally do not flood are likely to flood. Additional rainfall of 9-14” with local amounts up to 20” could result in catastrophic life-threatening flash flooding in areas along and near the Blue Ridge escarpment through Friday morning. Locally significant, damaging flash flooding is likely to develop in other areas away from the Blue Ridge escarpment. Confidence is high that numerous landslides will develop across the mountains, with several large, damaging debris flows/slope failures likely. Wind gusts begin to increase across the forecast area after 10pm tonight, peaking at 45 to 60 mph after midnight before diminishing from late morning into the afternoon Friday. Gusts in excess of 60 could briefly be observed across northeast Georgia, the western Upstate, and the North Carolina mountains. The combination of strong wind gusts and saturated soils will likely result in widespread downed trees, with numerous power outages likely.
Closed Streets as of 9/26/2024 at 8:00 AM Greenville Hwy from the Fresh
Greenville Hwy from the Fresh Market to Chadwick Ave all of Spartanburg Hwy from S Main St to Chadwick Ave (in progress) currently closed at McDonald's but needing to push it further east. Caswell St between King St and Grove St, lower part of S Grove St, from Shady Dr Asheville Hwy, at Clairmont Dr, Beverly Hanks hasn't been shut down but the parking lot is flooded.
Sign up for alerts from the City of Hendersonville by visiting www.hendersonvillenc.gov/alerthvl or texting AlertHVL to 226787.
Additional information on flooding resources and frequent flooding street closures can be found at www.hendersonvillenc.gov/flooding
Based on the current situation and predicted forecast, the City of Hendersonville has upgraded the Flood Response Plan to a Level 3 – Significant Flooding Phase.
9/25/24 7:00 PM
The City of Hendersonville will is under a State of Emergency effective 8:00 AM on September 26, 2024. We urge the community to take steps to prepare their homes and families for Tropical Storm Helene.
9/25/24 2:30 PM
City of Hendersonville Event Cancellations and Preparations in Anticipation of Tropical Storm Helene
Tropical Storm Helene is expected to bring heavy rainfall, dangerous flooding, and strong wind gusts starting Thursday and continuing into the weekend. Based on current predictions, residents should prepare for the potential of catastrophic flooding. Those who live in flood-prone areas, and even areas not typically impacted by floodwaters, should pay attention to the forecast and be ready to move to higher ground if needed.
In response to the forecast, the City of Hendersonville has issued a Level 2 Flood Alert. City crews are staging barricades in flood-prone areas, and additional preparations are underway to ensure public safety.
Event Cancellations
In response to the anticipated extreme weather, the City of Hendersonville has canceled all special events occurring this weekend, including the Hendersonville Farmers Market and Art on Main. The City prioritizes the safety of the community, and cancellations aim to limit unnecessary travel while allowing public safety and public services personnel to focus on emergency response and recovery efforts.
The Laura E. Corn Mini-golf course located at Edwards Park will also be closed on Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28.
Preparing for the Storm
Residents are urged to take steps to prepare their homes and families for the approaching storm. Key safety tips include:
Stay Informed: Sign up for local weather and City of Hendersonville alerts at www.hendersonvillenc.gov/alerthvl or text AlertHVL to 226787.
Plan Ahead: Ensure you have enough food, water, medications, and other essentials to last at least 72 hours. Charge cell phones are charged and have a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries on hand.
Prepare Your Home: Clear downspouts, drains, and ditches to prevent flooding, and secure outdoor items that could be blown away by high winds.
Travel Safely: Never drive through flooded roadways or around barricades—Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Citations may be issued for individuals who ignore safety measures, endangering themselves and emergency responders.
For additional information and links to additional preparedness resources, visit www.hendersonvillenc.gov/flooding.
9/25/24 12:30 PM Preparedness Message / Flood Level 2
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch and tropical storm watch for the Hendersonville area. Based on predictions for Tropical Storm Helene’s impacts, our area should prepare for the potential of catastrophic rainfall flooding. Excessive runoff may result in significant and damaging flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Areas that are not typically impacted by floodwaters may flood.
View the National Weather Service conditions and predictions.
Significant flash flooding and mainstem flooding is likely Thursday into early Friday, especially along the Blue Ridge Escarpment. 40-50 MPH wind gusts will be associated with Helene as the storm tracks just west of the County Warning Area Thursday night into Friday morning. The combination of saturated soils and strong wind gusts will result in numerous trees down, leading to numerous power outages. Numerous landslides may occur across the mountains, with a couple of large, damaging debris flows/slope failures. An isolated tornado or two can’t be ruled out during this event as well.
Based on the current situation and the forecast, A Level 2 Flooding Alert has been issued by the City of Hendersonville in preparation of the weather event.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepare as Tropical Storm Helen approaches. Now is the time to check your emergency plan and emergency supplies kit and take necessary actions to protect your family and secure your home or business.
Stay Informed:
-Pay attention to emergency information and alerts.
-Sign up for local weather alerts and City of Hendersonville alerts by visiting www.hendersonvillenc.gov/alerthvl or texting AlertHVL to 226787
Plan:
-Ensure you have enough food, water, medications and other essentials to last at least 72 hours
-Keep cell phones charged and have a battery powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries on hand
-Communicate plans with your family members ahead of any emergency
- Flood Preparedness Guides: Visit www.ready.gov/floods for detailed guides on how to prepare your home and family for flood risks.
Prepare:
-Prepare your home by clearing downspouts, drains and ditches to prevent flooding
-Secure outdoor furniture and other items that could get blown away by high winds
-Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
Stay Safe:
-Never drive into flooded roadways or around barricades – Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
-If you live in a place particularly vulnerable to flooding, plan to move to safe shelter on higher ground
Public Works crews are placing barricades in flood prone areas and City departments are making preparations ahead of the weather event. Motorists are reminded to ‘Turn Around Don’t Drown’ and seek alternate routes of travel if they encounter a flooded roadway. Citations can be issued for drivers who ignore barricades and put themselves, others, and emergency responders at risk.
Additional information on flooding resources and frequent flooding street closures can be found at www.hendersonvillenc.gov/flooding