Gaston County emergency shelter opens as neighborhoods under voluntary evacuations

GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — An emergency shelter is now open for Gaston County as communities begin to flood from the rains of Hurrican Helene.

The Gaston County shelter opened at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Citizens Resource Center in Dallas, 1303 Dallas Cherryville Hwy. Voluntary evacuations are underway in parts of Lowell and Mount Holly.

Click here to see our latest Pinpoint Weather forecast! 🌤️🌦️

Flood Warnings are in effect around the South Fork and Catawba Rivers in Gaston County, and voluntary evacuations are happening in the Catawba Run and Preston Park neighborhoods in Lowell and at apartments and homes near the Highland Street bridge over Dutchmans Creek in Mount Holly.

County officials say both the South Fork and Catawba rivers are expected to crest at major flood stage during the day Friday.

Gaston County has activated its Emergency Operations Center and is closely monitoring the situation on the ground, in coordination with local law enforcement, GEMS, State Highway Patrol and local fire departments.

“The heaviest winds and rains are still to come, between probably 2 and 8 tomorrow morning,” Emergency Management Director Scott Hunter said. “We will continue to keep residents informed of changing conditions, and we ask that everyone who can stay home and off the roads until this storm has passed us by.”

Residents with non-emergency concerns or needs are urged to utilize GCOEMFS’ email or phone hotlines at GastonIncidentInfo@GastonGov.com or 704-862-6281 and reserve 911 for true life-threatening emergencies.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.