Western North Carolina Assesses Storm Damage

Communities across western North Carolina are waking up Tuesday morning to flooded roads, storm damage and cleanup efforts after hours of intense overnight rainfall triggered flash flooding across Henderson and Rutherford counties.

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg extended a Flash Flood Warning overnight after emergency management officials reported dangerous flooding already underway. Forecasters said between 3 and 6 inches of rain fell across portions of the region, with creeks and rivers rapidly rising in mountain communities. 

Emergency crews responded to water rescue operations near Bear Wallow Road in the Edneyville area after floodwaters surrounded at least one home. Fire departments from Bat Cave, Gerton and Edneyville assisted in the overnight response while North Carolina transportation crews worked to close damaged and flooded roads. 

Officials warned overnight that “flash flooding is already occurring” and described “life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.” 

The warning area included Hendersonville, Fletcher, Mills River, Mountain Home, Bat Cave, Gerton, Horse Shoe and areas surrounding Chimney Rock State Park. Emergency officials said several roads became impassable overnight, with some reportedly washed out by rushing water. 

One of the strongest warnings issued overnight from the National Weather Service cautioned residents and campers about the danger posed by fast-moving mountain waterways.

“It is important to know where you are relative to streams, rivers, or creeks which can become killers in heavy rains,” the warning stated. “Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks.” 

In Rutherford County, emergency management officials activated flash flood sirens in the Falls Creek area north of Chimney Rock near the Rocky Broad River as water levels continued rising overnight. Residents and visitors near the river were urged to move to higher ground immediately. 

By early Tuesday morning, some floodwaters had begun receding in parts of the region, but officials warned drivers to remain cautious because washed-out pavement, mudslides and debris could still make travel dangerous.

The National Weather Service also warned residents overnight to “be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding.”