Mudslides destroy houses along Highway 176, shuts down road indefinitely

SALUDA — On Friday, during the torrential rain in the area due to Tropical Storm Helene, multiple mudslides occurred along Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda.

Details are still emerging, but officials said mudslides destroyed some residences there.

Officials said rescue efforts took place Friday, with some continuing into Saturday.

The 3500 block of Hwy. 176 will be shut down for an extended time.

“We’ve cleared some trees and debris, but there’s a lot of work to be done there,” Tryon Fire Chief Josh Walton said.

Polk County Fire Marshal Bobby Arledge said these were the worst mudslides in the area that he’s ever seen.

“This is way worse than 2018 [when massive mudslides occurred in the same area],” Arledge said. Extensive road clearing operations are underway.

Officials said approximately 50 to 75 residences have sustained partial or total damage due to multiple mudslides along Hwy 176.

Two urban search and rescue teams are working in Highway 176 area Saturday (New Bern and FDNY USAR, Homeland Security).

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