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

ASHEVILLE - In response to the escalating threat posed by Tropical Storm Helene, Buncombe County officials have issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents along the Swannanoa River immediately beginning at the North Fork Reservoir, where waters have gone over the spillway.

Hurricane Helene was downgraded to a tropical storm at 5 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, as it headed up Georgia and toward Western North Carolina.

“Do not delay - take action to protect your loved ones. We understand that evacuation can be challenging, but the safety of our residents is our top priority," said Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder in a news release issued at 6:35 a.m., Sept. 27. "We urge everyone in the affected areas to take this order seriously and evacuate as soon as possible. If you can’t, emergency personnel will help you.”

Evacuation details

All residents in the following areas are required to evacuate, the release said:

• 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:
  • North Fork Road south to U.S. 70
  • U.S. 70 west to Old Farm School Road
  • Old Farm School to Azalea Road
  • Azalea Road to Swannanoa River Road
  • Swannanoa River Road to Biltmore Village

"Due to the catastrophic rain in the area, the North Fork Reservoir auxiliary spillway has been activated," said a Sept. 27 city news release. "The dam is performing as designed, and the volume of water flowing downstream will increase as the storm intensifies."

Evacuation shelters

For those unable to evacuate to a safe location, an emergency shelter has been established at the WNC Agriculture Center located at WNC Agricultural Center: 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher.

Please bring essential items such as medications, important documents, and personal necessities. Pets are allowed at shelters and can be housed; however, space is limited.

Transportation assistance

If you are unable to evacuate safely, call 911 for assistance with transportation.

Evacuation precautions

• Avoid flooded roads and areas prone to landslides during your evacuation.
• Immediately gather important documents and items needed to make yourself and your family comfortable at a shelter or other safe space.
• Stay informed by tuning into local news, radio stations, and official social media channels for updates.

Important resources

For up-to-date information on the evacuation, road closures, and shelter availability, visit www.buncombeready.org .

This story will be updated.

More: Hurricane Helene will bring a '500-year flood' WNC officials say; 15K homes affected

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Tropical Storm Helene: Mandatory evacuation order for areas along Swannanoa River