Weather Update

Sunday 9/29/2024

Surprising many, Hurricane Helene stayed on an easterly course and instead of hitting Atlanta hard, it hit Augusta, Georgia and then headed north and flooded Western North Carolina. (Video links below)

Many roads are washed out, no power in many areas  an no cell phones! Conditions  are slowly improving.

From the NCDOT:

DO NOT TRAVEL IN OR TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited.  

I-40 is impassable in multiple locations.  I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line.  
Travel in this area for non-emergency purposes is hindering needed emergency response.

NCDOT Map: DriveNC.gov | North Carolina Traffic, Road Closures & Travel Information

Info / Resources: Jackson County, NC Emergency Management:
https://www.facebook.com/JacksonNCEM/

Sapphire Valley Community Together: https://www.facebook.com/groups/954631935571901

What’s Happening in Highlands NC: https://www.facebook.com/groups/213003379482839

Cashiers-Highlands Plateau Road Conditions:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/plateauroadconditions

Sapphire Valley Resort: 828-743-7663
Blue Ridge Safety:828-2119
Jackson  County Sheriff: 828-586-4355

Videos

Raw aerial footage shows the destruction in Asheville and parts of western North Carolina: https://youtu.be/iLlebC7vuJw?si=YXLB_8zKRxBs6OCB

Flooding, Damage in Atlanta, Georgia: https://youtu.be/fAsR9_yJlZ0?si=BRjqGTzAFP_Yn8gA