News Summary
Severe flooding in Waynesville, NC, has led to emergency evacuations and significant damage assessments due to heavy rainfall from Hurricane Helene. Residents are stranded, and local infrastructure is severely impacted as swiftwater rescues take place. Damage assessments estimate direct damages at nearly $2.13 million, affecting both residential and commercial properties. The situation prompts ongoing recovery efforts and reassessments of floodplain regulations in the community.
Severe Flooding Strikes Waynesville, NC Following Recent Heavy Rains, Prompting Emergency Evacuations and Major Damage Assessments
Waynesville, NC – Severe flooding in Waynesville has prompted emergency evacuations and significant damage assessments following heavy rainfall influenced by Hurricane Helene. The storm’s aftermath has complicated flood predictions in Western North Carolina, leaving many residents stranded and local infrastructure severely impacted.
Emergency evacuations began around 4 a.m. as Richland Creek overflowed after relentless rains, affecting neighborhoods off Russ Avenue. Flooding forced the temporary closure of Harris Street, leaving many residents trapped as waters rose rapidly. Swiftwater rescue teams and local authorities utilized boats to assist those stranded in the deluge, and the Waynesville Fire Department has reported an upsurge in swiftwater rescues, the highest in the county.
The floodwaters reached areas that had not experienced flooding in decades, including Allens Creek, Hazelwood, and Frog Level. Local businesses within these neighborhoods suffered severe water damage, leading to substantial financial losses. Damage assessments indicate that almost $2.13 million in direct damages to the town’s infrastructure and public services have occurred, with 446 structures evaluated for visible damage. Among these, 302 were residential, while 144 were commercial properties. Notably, 22 structures have been categorized as “substantially damaged,” meaning their damages exceed 50% of their value.
Officials noted that previous erosion along Richland Creek’s banks due to Hurricane Helene had worsened flooding prospects, compounded by debris accumulation from nearby construction. These obstructions have hindered water flow, increasing risks of inundation in areas that remain vulnerable.
In response to the crisis, the First United Methodist Church has been opened as a temporary shelter for evacuees. City emergency services acted swiftly, conducting door-to-door checks to ensure the safety of residents as additional water levels threatened to escalate further.
As part of the recovery efforts, the town government is assessing both urgent and non-urgent repairs while initiating debris removal operations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is anticipated to reimburse the town for many of the flood-related costs, which include damages to public infrastructure and property losses sustained by local residents and businesses.
Local officials are also considering recommendations for adjustments to floodplain regulations in light of lessons learned from these recent flooding events. As the community begins to recover, officials continue to monitor the situation and prepare for future potential flooding risks.
The extensive damage assessment and recovery plans have drawn the attention of both state and federal emergency management officials. With many residents still reeling from the impact of the flooding, the urgent need for repairs and recovery is more pressing than ever.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Flooding Revisits Waynesville Neighborhood
- Wikipedia: Flood
- The Mountaineer: Waynesville Hit with Unprecedented Flooding
- Google Search: Waynesville flood 2023
- KY3: Flooding Closes I-44 East Waynesville
- Google Scholar: Flood Management Strategies
- Fox19: High Water Remains an Issue
- Google News: Waynesville flood 2023
