Road and Conditions Update

Tuesday Oct 1, 2024

View this update in full a full screen: [My Blue Ridge Mountains]

From the NCDOT Oct 1:

DO NOT TRAVEL IN OR TO WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
I-40 is impassable in multiple locations.  I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line.  

There are many closed roads that are not listed on this site as many areas are not able to report at this time. 
All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited. 

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

·         Highway 64 east is now open

·         107 N to Sylva is passable

·         107 S to Walhalla is passable

·         64 W to Highlands is passable.

According to Jackson County Emergency Management, travel is still not advised, as JCEM wants the roadways utilized for emergency services. If you or someone you know has travel plans to the area, please contact your lodging provider once communications are restored to inquire about rescheduling or cancellations.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

• AT&T cell phones are working. Verizon is working to restore service.
• BalsamWest & Starlink Internet is working. 
• Frontier & other internet providers are working to restore service.

FUEL:

A Declaration of A State of Emergency was issued on Sunday, September 29, by Mark Letson, Chair of the Board of Commissioner of Jackson County, restricting the sale and purchase of gasoline to 10 gallons of gas per day per person at every establishment authorized to sell gasoline in Jackson County until further notice. See attached.

 

FOOD, WATER, SUPPLIES & Rx:

• The National Guard delivered MREs and supplies to the Cashiers' Command Center today. Watch your inbox and social media for updates regarding distribution.
• Water is available at the Command Center at the Cashiers-Glenville Fire Department on Frank Allen Road.
• The Cashiers-Glenville Recreation Center allows residents to shower and fill water containers.
• Cashiers Valley Pharmacy is open and ready to serve your medical and prescription needs.
• Ingles - I could not get through to Ingles store or Rx, so I cannot confirm their supplies, but social media shows Ingles is still cash only with some supplies.
• Cashiers Farmer’s Market is open. They take cash and cards.
• Cashiers Valley Smokehouse is open. They take cash and cards and offered free water fill up.

If you know of other places that are open, let me know and I will share in the next update.

GLENVILLE: from Rev. Ralph Campbell, Pastor Glenville Wesleyan Church

Glenville Community Center and Glenville Thrift Store have power and open Wi Fi Internet available for use at both locations. We also have the ability to prepare hot meals. Please contact Rev. Campbell by email cornerstone007@outlook.com if you’re able to help or need assistance that they are offering.

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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: 828-743-7667
Blue Ridge Safety:828-2119
Jackson  County Sheriff: 828-586-4355
Highlands NC Police: 828-526-9431

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