(WLOS) — WATCH LIVE:

(8 o'clock) –Flood Emergency for BUNCOMBE COUNTY UNTIL 1:45 p.m

According to the NWS, emergency management reported widespread catastrophic flooding, causing damage to infrastructure and the inundation of countless homes and businesses. Emergency managers are urging those in low-lying areas to move to higher ground immediately. The risk of life-threatening landslides is significantly increased.

“This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Buncombe County. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. NOW SEEK HIGHER TERRITORY!”

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(7:21 a.m.) – Hundreds of thousands of people are now without power in Western Carolina. according to Duke Energyincluding more than 71,000 in Buncombe and 42,000 in Henderson.

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(6:40 a.m.) –FLOOD FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR HENDERSON, POLK AND RUTHERFORD COUNTIES

According to the NWS, emergency management reported extensive, life-threatening flooding throughout the warning area. Numerous road closures, several strandings and water rescues were recently reported. Up to 27 centimeters of rain has fallen in many places in the last 12 to 24 hours, with an additional swath of heavy rain coming from the south. This will result in the threat of catastrophic flooding in the warning area.

This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Henderson, Polk and Rutherford counties. This is a particularly dangerous situation. LOOK FOR HIGHER ACCOMMODATIONS NOW!

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(6:22 a.m.) –There is a mandatory evacuation of the Swannanoa River Valley area.

Due to catastrophic rainfall in the area, Asheville officials said the North Fork Reservoir auxiliary spillway was activated. The dam is functioning as designed and the amount of water flowing downstream will increase as the storm strengthens.

A mandatory evacuation of the Swannanoa River Valley area is in effect due to the high risk. All residents within the designated area downstream of the reservoir are required to move to higher ground. If you need assistance evacuating, please call 911.

Accommodation is available at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville (87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801). Explore Asheville has worked with local hotels to provide rooms for residents seeking shelter from the storm. These prices are available here.

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(6 a.m.) –FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR MITCHELL AND AVERY COUNTIES UNTIL 2:30 PM

According to the NWS, emergency management is reporting catastrophic flooding in portions of Mitchell and Avery counties, particularly in Bakersville and surrounding areas.

Widespread heavy rainfall of more than 7 to 10 inches has resulted in numerous road closures, flooded bridges, flooded and damaged structures, and ongoing water rescue efforts in both counties.

Mitchell County Emergency Management reported there is a shelter at Mitchell High School at 416 Ledger School Road for those displaced by flooding.

NWS: This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Mitchell and Avery Counties. This is a particularly dangerous situation. LOOK FOR HIGHER ACCOMMODATIONS NOW!

(5:38 a.m.) – A FLASH flood emergency forSWANNANOA RIVER VALLEY, BELOW NORTH FORK UNTIL 1:15 P.M

According to the NWS, Buncombe County Emergency Management is reporting significant water flows from the North Fork Reservoir on the North Fork Swannanoa River due to excessive rainfall observed since last Wednesday. Other significant flows originate from the headwaters of the Swannanoa River near and above Montreat and Black Mountain, as well as other tributaries of the Swannanoa River.

Rapid rises are ahead along the Swannanoa River which will result in this large, catastrophic and potentially historic flash floods in the valley. There is an increasing likelihood that this flood will exceed the flash flood observed in September 2004. Prepare NOW and follow all evacuation and other orders from Buncombe County and local law enforcement to protect your life.

Additional torrential rainfall is imminent for the North Fork Swannanoa River and Swannanoa River Valley, which will significantly exacerbate the development of severe flooding and result in potentially historic rainfall expected.

NWS: “This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. LOOK FOR HIGHER TERRAIN NOW! Life-threatening flash flooding at low water crossings, small creeks and creeks, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.”

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(5:35 a.m.) – That's what the Haywood County Sheriff's Office says Evacuation efforts are underway in Cruso, Clyde, Canton and low-lying areas in Waynesville.

“Flooding is extremely dangerous. Getting caught in a flood can result in injury or death. LEAVE NOW. Climb to higher ground. Do not drive through water,” the sheriff’s office Facebook post said.

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(5:04 a.m.) – Tens of thousands of people across WNC are without power. As of 5 a.m., Duke Energy is reporting 44,604 outages in Buncombe and 4,681 outages in Henderson. View Duke Energy's outage map to get the latest numbers and report an outage. View outages and resources for French Broad Electric.

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(4:48 a.m.) – Buncombe County officials say shelters at Trinity Baptist Church and Swannanoa First Baptist Church will close immediately. Anyone needing access to emergency shelter should visit the WNC Agriculture Center (Davis Building, Gate 5).. Six people from the Swannanoa First Baptist shelter are currently being transported to WNC Ag. Center.

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(4:35 a.m.) –McDowell County officials say a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Bungalow Drive at Garden Creek Road. in Marion. Bungalow Drive is in imminent danger of being submerged by the Catawba River. Due to forecast river levels, emergency personnel will not be able to reach the area. Now it's time to move to higher ground. Take immediate action.

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(4:23 a.m.) –Flood Emergency for HAYWOOD COUNTY UNTIL 10:15 AM

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency for Haywood County at 4:09 a.m. Emergency management reported numerous road closures, ongoing water rescues and flooded homes throughout Haywood County. Persistent rainfall is contributing to rapid rises in water levels, increasing the risk of significant flooding and increasing the risk of life-threatening landslides. 15 to 25 centimeters of rain has already fallen and more heavy rain is imminent.

This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY throughout Haywood County.According to the NWS, this is a particularly dangerous situation Residents should now seek higher ground.

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(4:05 a.m.) – McDowell County officials ordered a mandatory evacuation of Ponderosa Park, located off US 221 Business in Marion. The sheriff's office says Ponderosa Park is in imminent danger of being submerged by the Catawba River.

“Due to the forecast river heights, emergency personnel will not be able to access the park. Now is the time to move to higher ground. Take immediate action to protect your life!” reads a warning from the sheriff’s office.

(3:50 a.m.) – The City of Hendersonville has raised its flood protection plan to Flood Level 4 (severe flooding). Near-historic flooding is expected, as well as strong wind gusts and a significant impact on travel. City officials urge residents living in the city 500 year old floodplain should prepare for evacuation if necessary.

Henderson County has opened an emergency shelter at the Athletics and Activities Center at 708 South Grove Street.

Residents who do not have urgent questions or are seeking transportation to an emergency shelter should contact the Henderson County Emergency Operations Center at 828-771-6670.

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(3:30 a.m.) – The Haywood County Sheriff's Office reports the Pigeon River has burst its banks on Thickety Road near Thompson Cove. Both roads are closed and residents are asked to avoid the area.

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(2:30 a.m.) – Asheville Regional Airport set two consecutive daily rainfall records on Wednesday and Thursday and is likely to set its third straight rainfall record on Friday.

September 2024 is now the wettest September on record in Asheville, with over 14 inches of rain and counting.

WEATHER WARNING DAY: RECORD RAIN FIGURES BEFORE HELENE'S ARRIVAL

Helene is expected to move quickly through the western Carolinas early Friday, bringing damaging wind gusts of up to 65 mph at lower elevations and up to 80 mph at higher elevations.