LIVE UPDATES: Helene death toll rises, schools close, resources coming to Western N.C.
(WLOS) — These Western North Carolina Helene updates are for Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.
(8:44 PM) - McDowell County creates form forstranded or missing citizens
McDowell County officials have created a form that members of the public can complete to help connect them with county residents who've been out of reach since the storm.
The form is designed to be texted to potentially stranded citizens who may not have enough service for a phone call. It can also be completed by anyone who needs to report a missing loved one. Anyone may also call 828-652-3241 for assistance.
Individuals are asked to fill out THIS FORM with as much detail as possible to help authorities prioritize and coordinate a response for those stranded and in need of food, water, medical supplies, or evacuation. Be sure to include your exact location, immediate needs, and any medical conditions or injuries.
McDowell County officials say they're working around the clock to find and help people in need, ensuring they are brought to safety as quickly as possible.
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(8:28 PM) -Temporary Closure of MAHEC Due to Tropical Storm Helene
Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) released the following statement on Sunday evening:
"While hospitals across the region remain open, several healthcare practices, including the Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC), are temporarily closed. MAHEC, which serves patients throughout Western North Carolina, has closed all locations for both patients and staff until further notice due to the recent storm. Phone and online communication may be limited. MAHEC is actively working to restore services and will provide updates as soon as they become available."
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(7:05 PM) - Free bottled water distribution at Asheville locations of The Fresh Market on Monday
A spokesperson for The Fresh Market said it plans to distribute free bottles of water to those in need at two locations in Asheville, starting at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30. This comes after truck delivery delays scrapped plans for a distribution event on Sunday.
"We understand that everyone is limited on resources, so please check our social media sites for updates and confirmation that distribution is up and running," the media alert read.
- The Fresh Market Parking Lot at 944 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC
- The Fresh Market Parking Lot 1378 Hendersonville, Rd, Ashville, NC 28803
(7 PM) - Two deputies among storm-related deaths in North Carolina, according to NC Sheriff's Association
The North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association said it was notified that two Western North Carolina deputies were killed as a result of the flooding and hazardous conditions caused by Helene.
The post shared on the association's Facebook page said a deputy from Macon County and a deputy from the Madison County Sheriff's Office were killed in flood waters.
"We ask that you keep the families, friends, and colleagues of these deputies as well as the entirety of Western North Carolina in your thoughts and prayers during this unfathomable and difficult time," the post read.
In a Facebook post, the Macon County's Sheriff's Office said Jim Lau, a courthouse security guards, died after his truck submerged under river water on Sept. 27.
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(6:07 PM) - Rutherford County donation center
Rutherford County officials say a central donation center has been established at the Rutherford County Health Department at 221 Callahan Koon Rd, Spindale.
"We have received many requests from the community and local churches wanting to make donations, and we greatly appreciate your support," an alert from county officials read. "Donations can be dropped off at the center for distribution to the community."
Suggested donation items:
- Bottled water
- Prepackaged snacks
- Toiletries
- Hand sanitizer
Please Note: No home-cooked meals or fresh food. All food items must be pre-packaged.
(5:26 PM) - Water tanker in Canton
Haywood County officials say a water tanker is now stationed at the Canton Plaza (off New Clyde Highway) for those in need of water. Individuals are asked to bring their own containers.
The tanker is available now until 7 pm.
Limit: 1 gallon per person per day.
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(5:20 PM) - Supplies being airlifted to WNC
Governor Roy Cooper says the NC National Guard is airlifting supplies to counties across the impacted areas to include food, water and other essential items. Multiple crews and providers are continuing to make progress in restoring power, service to cell phones and fixing roadways.
GOV. COOPER: NC NATIONAL GUARD AIRLIFTING SUPPLIES TO AREAS HIT HARD BY HELENE
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(4:41 PM) - BUNCOMBE COUNTY DEATH TOLL RISES TO 30
Thirty people have died in Buncombe County due to the effects of Helene,Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller said Sunday.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, but Miller alluded that the death toll may continue to rise.
"We know that that may include recovery operations," Miller said.
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(4 PM) - TEMPORARY CELLULAR TOWER IN ASHEVILLE
City of Asheville officials say it's partnering withVerizon to deliver a temporary cellular satellite trailer to the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin Street.
"This tower will offer an opportunity for limited cellular reception within several city blocks of where it is parked," a statement from the city said. "The tower will be operational late Sunday afternoon, Sept. 29."
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(4 PM) -Buncombe County officials give an update on Helene relief efforts across the county.
Buncombe County officials say anyone wanting to donate to the Helene efforts should email helenedonations@buncombecounty.org. Anyone seeking ways to volunteer should emailhelenevolunteers@buncombecounty.org.
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(3:30 PM) -Henderson County officials confirm five storm-related deaths in the county.
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(2 PM) - Henderson County and the City of Hendersonville host post-Helene update meeting.
Henderson County and the City of Hendersonville host a joint Zoom call press conference to update residents about the continuing efforts following Hurricane Helene.
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(1:30 PM) - Duke Energy sends text update to customers.
Duke Energy sent the following message via text to customers:
Our crews are working tirelessly to restore power to your area following the devastating damage caused by Helene. We expect to have power restored to the majority of customers no later than Friday evening, with the exception of areas that are inaccessible or unable to receive service. As our crews assess the situation for your specific outage, we will provide updated estimated times of restoration, which you can view at duk.us/05. Customers signed up to receive outage alerts will be notified of any updates. Learn more about how our alerts work at duk.us/08. We recognize how challenging this situation is and appreciate your patience as we work to safely restore your service. Thank you for your continued understanding.
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(12:45 PM) - The Fresh Market will distribute free bottled water at Asheville locations.
Following the impact of Hurricane Helene, the Fresh Market will be distributing free bottled water in the parking lot of their Asheville locations to those in need.
LIST: RESOURCES, DONATIONS, FOOD FOR ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY POST-HELENE
The following locations will have water available at 6 p.m.:
The Fresh Market parking lot at 944 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, N.C. The Fresh Market parking lot at 1378 Hendersonville, Rd, Ashville, N.C.
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(12:30 PM) - Gov. Cooper and Emergency Management officials share updates on Hurricane Helene.
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(12 PM) - Buncombe County, Henderson County, Transylvania County Schools to close.
Buncombe County Schools has announced that it will be closed for the entire next week: Monday, Sept. 30 through Friday, Oct. 4. These will be annual leave days for faculty and staff.
Henderson County Public Schools also announced that it will be closed until further notice for the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff.
Transylvania County Schools and non-emergency county offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 30.
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(11 AM) - The City of Asheville provides a recovery update as staff in all City departments continue to work.
The City of Asheville stated the following:
Please conserve fuel and stay off roads. This will allow emergency response vehicles the quickest access to do their jobs.
Water and food have been ordered and will be coming into the area. Distribution sites will be identified when supplies are on site.
Tropical Storm [Hurricane] Helene severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Asheville’s water system. Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away which are preventing water personnel from accessing parts of the system. Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks.
A curfew is still in effect from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. within the Asheville City Limits.
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(10:30 AM) - 10 killed, at least 1,000 unaccounted for in Buncombe County.
Sheriff Quentin Miller announces that 10 people have been killed in Buncombe County and around 1,000 are currently unaccounted for. Miller says that the names of the deceased will not be released until county officials are certain that next of kin are contacted first.
Also in Buncombe County, distribution sites for food and water are not up yet, but the estimation for water is today, Sept. 29. Officials with Buncombe County says they will share information on these distribution sites to the public once they know the estimated times of arrival and official locations. Officials say that transportation issues from closed and impassable roads have caused these delays.
In Weaverville, officials say that most roads are now passable but many of them are still impacted. Therefore, people are urged to stay off of the roads if possible. Officials say that there is currently no water service, and electricians are currently en route to assess the water plant and hopefully make solutions.
Weaverville officials also say that there have been 15 water rescues and several neighborhoods have been evacuated. There is no power throughout the town. Officials say that the drive-thru for Prescription Pad Pharmacy in Weaverville is open for people with immediate medical needs until 5 p.m. today.
Chief Anthony Penland of Swannanoa said there has been mass devastation throughout the area, and that a portion of Old US Hwy 70 is no longer there. There is a task force team helping to get to more people in the area, and there are currently two private helicopters dropping food at two locations: Harley-Davidson and First Baptist Church Swannanoa.
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(10 AM) - Buncombe County, Black Mountain, Swannanoa and Weaverville officials hold a media briefing to provide updates the aftermath of Helene.
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(9:30 AM) - Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) spokesperson says most flights on Sunday, Sept. 29 have been canceled.
Delta canceled all flights before noon, and no other airlines have been operating. Officials with AVL say that a slow recovery of cellular and internet service is currently occurring at the airport. This potentially means that some airlines could operate later today. Despite this, officials urge flyers to confirm their flight's status before coming to the airport.
"The AVL team on-site have been working around the clock. They have been sleeping at the airport, haven’t seen their families, and are working to keep the airfield operational for flights that can operate. We are so proud of each and every one of them. Relief flights, including the National Guard, are arriving and our team is helping to coordinate these efforts," said Tina Kinsey, spokesperson for AVL.
Kinsey said that there are passengers and community members who are currently sheltering at the airport and have been since Thursday.
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(9 AM) - Rep. Chuck Edwards provides further information.
Rep. Chuck Edwards announces that Madison County is the worst affected with cell service, with under 8% capacity available through Verizon.
Service providers have deployed 'Compact Rapid Deployables' throughout Western North Carolina, including to Hendersonville, Lake Junaluska, and Waynesville. More are also currently en route. Compact Rapid Deployables are a transportable cell tower and internet access point, that can generate wired internet and wi-fi coverage anytime and anywhere.
Service providers have deployed 'SatCOLTs' throughout Western North Carolina, including to Asheville and Hendersonville, More are currently en route. SatCOLT stands for "Satellite Cells on Light Trucks," which are vehicles with mobile cell sites that connect via satellite and do not rely on commercial power supply.
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(9 AM) - Haywood County newsletter provides new updates.
Haywood County asks residents to ensure that debris is placed beside – not on – the road.
All residents are also advised boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth until further notice.
Residents are encouraged to conserve water during this time. This can come from limiting showers and postponing non-essential water use. Residents are also advised to conserve as much fuel as possible, as fuel supplies are limited.
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(8 AM) - North Carolina residents who are trying to connect with family members may call NC 211 –or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from another state – to report missing loved ones. Residents in impacted areas can also indicate their safety by checking in on Facebook's crisis response, or by reporting themselves safe through Red Cross Reunification by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).