Flood advisory, tropical storm warning in Upstate, WNC

(WSPA) – The National Weather Service advised that residents across the Upstate and Western North Carolina prepare for life-threatening flooding due to Hurricane Helene.

The National Hurricane Center advised that Helene is expected to make landfall as a major hurricane Thursday evening.

According to the National Weather Services (NWS), multiple rounds of heavy rainfall are expected from Thursday to Friday afternoon. Storm-total rainfall of 10-15 inches with locally higher amounts is expected along the entire length of the Blue Ridge Escarpment with widespread 5-9 inches expected across the remainder of the mountains, Northeast Georgia, and western Upstate South Carolina.

Additional rainfall from Helene will worsen the existing flood risk according to officials.

The NWS said wind gusts up to 60-65 mph will be possible across the western portion of the County Warning Area. The combination of strong wind gusts and saturated soils will likely result in widespread downed trees, with numerous power outages to follow.

Isolated tornadoes are possible now through at least 8 am Friday.

A flood watch has also been issued for the areas until Friday afternoon around 2 p.m. Officials said storms have the potential to be a rare event with catastrophic flash-flooding that hasn’t been seen in the modern era.

UPSTATE SC

The City of Greenville reported Thursday morning that the Reedy River is swollen. Officials said flooding, downed trees and power outages are expected as heavy rain continues throughout the day with wind speeds increasing.

The Greenville Zoo is closed on Thursday and Friday. Officials said the animals are safe, dry and indoors. Community center afterschool programs, youth soccer, pickleball leagues and all events at the Prisma Health Welcome Center at Unity Park are canceled.

Champion Comfort Expert Moonlight Movies at Falls Park is also canceled.

Residents are advised not to drive through flooded roadways, stay clear of downed power lines and to pull over for emergency vehicles.

Greenville County said the American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Crosswell Baptist Church at 219 South Fishtrap Road for those along the Saluda River who may need to evacuate their homes due to rising water.

The Saluda River near

The City of Pickens will open an emergency shelter at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Cheri Anthony Recreation Center at 545 Sangamo Road.

Pickens officials said anyone planning to use the shelter should bring all medications and personal supplies, to make their stay more comfortable.

A temporary shelter will open at 6 p.m. in Oconee County . The shelter will be at College Street Baptist Church at 401 S. College Street in Walhalla.

Community Emergency Response Team staff will be there to assist residents with questions or concerns. Cots and blankets will be provided. No pets are allowed.

WESTERN NC

All Asheville Parks & Recreation parks, community centers, and facilities are closed on Thursday, September 26 and Friday, September 27 due to inclement weather according to officials.

Shortly after midnight, the Rutherford County Emergency Management reported that the Town of Lake Lure opened tainter gates to a depth at or above nine feet due to flash flooding above Lake Lure.

In Henderson County , officials will open an emergency shelter at noon Thursday at the Athletics and Activities Center at 708 South Grove Street in Hendersonville.

The shelter will remain open until it is safe for residents to return home.

McDowell County Emergency Management has ordered a mandatory evacuation for River Breeze Campground located off River Breeze Drive in Marion due to flash flooding. Officials said an emergency shelter is open at Glenwood Baptist Church located at 155 Glenwood Baptist Church Road in Marion.

Parts of McDowell County experienced significant rainfall overnight, resulting in dangerous flash flooding across several communities, including Old Fort, Crooked Creek, Pleasant Gardens, Marion and Woodlawn.

Emergency responders were active throughout the night responding to over 60 storm-related calls between 8:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. A total of 19 calls were received related to flash flooding.

Drivers are asked to avoid unnecessary travel because commuters may experience travel impacts due to high water, debris, or road damage.

The entire Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina is closed. The closure is from mile post 469 in Cherokee to mile post 217, which is the North Carolina state line.

Doughton Park Campgroud and Picnic Area and the Price Park Campground and Picnic Area are also closed.

The Pisgah Inn and Folk Art Center will only be accessible from Highway 276 and U.S. 70, respectively.

The parkway will remain closed until damage inspections can be done after the storm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.