VIDEO: Hurricane Helene flooding in the western North Carolina mountains

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday night on the Gulf Coast of Florida, but the powerful storm system has already been wreaking havoc in North Carolina.

Flooding began in areas in and around Asheville Wednesday night. According to the head of the N.C. Department of Public Safety, the mountains are expected to see “multiple rounds” of storms with more than a foot of rain by the end of the extreme weather.

Hurricane Helene is shaping up to be one of the most significant weather events to hit the western part of the state in the modern era, according to the National Weather Service.

“Tropical weather in our mountains can be deadly,” Governor Cooper said in a Thursday morning press conference, warning everyone in the mountains and sandhills regions to be prepared and to drive through floodwaters.

Several videos shared with CBS 17 show that some drivers are taking the risk.

Gov. Cooper announced that 175 soldiers and airmen from the N.C. The National Guard has been activated. He also said swift water rescue and urban search and rescue teams from around the state have been deployed to help those who become stranded.

Stay up-to-date with the latest from the CBS 17 Storm Team on Hurricane Helene’s path and the forecasted impacts in and around central N.C. here .

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