GREENSBORO, N.C. — Western portions of NC are expecting some of the most significant weather impacts in the modern era. Flooding from Helene is expected to be greater than Tropical Storm Fred (August 2021), the mountains in 2004 from Frances and Ivan, and in upstate South Carolina the Saluda River Basin flooding from 1949.
Two weather systems will potentially bring rain totals to historic records across the NC mountains over the span of 24-48 hours. Yesterday, a stalled front delivered 2-4"+ of rain across western NC causing flooding issues all across the area.
Impacts from Helene in Western NC
On top of several inches from a stalled front yesterday, Hurricane Helene has been funneling in moisture overnight across the NC mountains with more expected through Saturday. So far, western NC has picked up between 5-10" since yesterday.
With oversaturated soils, flooding will become easier across the area. Record flooding is forecasted and has been compared to the floods of 1916 in the Asheville area. Total precipitation from Helene will likely be between 10-15" in some places across the NC mountains. Here's a look at what additional rainfall tallies will look like through 2 a.m. Saturday:
Moderate to major flooding is also likely in many of western NC's rivers and streams. The official forecast has been updated for Biltmore Village, predicting an all-time record crest. This is expected to surpass the historic floods of 1916 and 2004, which devastated the area.
Additionally, wind gusts could be hurricane-force across the area. The combination of strong winds and overly saturated soils will lead to widespread trees down and numerous power outages.
How It Compares
In a normal year, Asheville receives around 40 inches of rain. Rain totals will be up to around 15" from Helene through Saturday, which would make up just shy of 38% of the average yearly total in just three days.
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