Tropical Storm Warning for Avery County until further notice – September 25-27, 2024

Last Updated on September 26, 2024 7:25 pm

Helene Local Watch/Warning Statement/Advisory Number 14
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC AL092024
509 PM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

NCZ033-270515-
/O.CON.KGSP.TR.W.1009.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
Avery-
509 PM EDT Thu Sep 26 2024

…TROPICAL STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT…

• LOCATIONS AFFECTED
  • Banner Elk
• WIND
  • LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Below tropical storm force wind
    • Peak Wind Forecast: 25-35 mph with gusts to 70 mph
  • THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
    UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for wind 39
    to 57 mph
    • The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the
      previous assessment.
    • PLAN: The sustained wind should remain less than tropical
      storm force. Conditions may still be gusty.
    • PREPARE: Listen for any instructions from local officials.
    • ACT: Ensure emergency readiness should the forecast change.
  • REALIZED IMPACTS: Being Assessed
    • Little to no additional wind impacts expected. Community
      officials are now assessing the extent of actual wind
      impacts accordingly.
• FLOODING RAIN
  • LATEST LOCAL FORECAST: Flood Watch is in effect
    • Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 6-10 inches, with locally
      higher amounts
  • THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
    UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for extreme
    flooding rain
    • The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from
      the previous assessment.
    • PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for
      extreme flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues
      are likely.
    • PREPARE: Urgently consider protective actions from extreme
      and widespread rainfall flooding.
    • ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take
      action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.
  • POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Devastating to Catastrophic
    • Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations
      and rescues.
    • Rivers and tributaries may overwhelmingly overflow their
      banks in many places with deep moving water. Small streams,
      creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become raging
      rivers. In mountain areas, deadly runoff may rage down
      valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and
      mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      stressed.
    • Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or
      washed away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover
      escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of
      raging water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions
      become very dangerous. Numerous road and bridge closures
      with some weakened or washed out.
• TORNADO
  • LATEST LOCAL FORECAST:
    • Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes
  • THREAT TO LIFE AND PROPERTY THAT INCLUDES TYPICAL FORECAST
    UNCERTAINTY IN TRACK, SIZE AND INTENSITY: Potential for a few
    tornadoes
    • The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the
      previous assessment.
    • PLAN: Plans should still include the potential for a few
      tornadoes.
    • PREPARE: Keep informed should additional weather alerts be
      needed.
    • ACT: If a tornado warning is issued, be ready to shelter
      quickly.
  • POTENTIAL IMPACTS: Limited
    • The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the
      execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
    • A few places may experience tornado damage, along with
      power and communications disruptions.
    • Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings,
      chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or
      overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off,
      shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown
      off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.
• FOR MORE INFORMATION:
  • https://readync.org