The Alexander County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) makes available the county’s Emergency Response Plan and chemical inventory forms in accordance with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). These documents are available for public review at the Alexander County Emergency Management Office. To review these materials, please schedule an appointment by emailing dmfox@alexandercountync.gov.
Emergency Services
Hicks named new Alexander County Fire Marshal
Alexander County Fire Marshal
His fire service experience dates back to 1991, when he served as a junior firefighter for the Conover Fire Department. Hicks is a 1993 graduate of Newton-Conover High School and attained his Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) certification from CVCC in 1996. After a brief career in law enforcement, he was hired as a fire engineer with the Conover Fire Department, where he worked his way through the ranks as fire inspector and lieutenant. In September 2023, Hicks was hired as the fire marshal in Wilkes County.
“I’m honored to serve as Alexander County’s new fire marshal. I lived in Alexander County several years, and I love it here,” said Hicks. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated emergency personnel to help keep our citizens safe.”
Hicks also has a degree in Emergency Management and is certified through the Office of State Fire Marshal as a Firefighter, Driver Operator, Fire Officer, Arson Investigator, Hazardous Materials, and Fire Instructor, as well as multiple specialty rescue certifications.
While living in Alexander County, Hicks joined Bethlehem Community Fire & Rescue, where he served as assistant chief for approximately three years.
“I made a lot of good friends when I lived here, and I know that I can still depend on them today when I need them. Alexander County has that small-town feel, and I really like that,” Hicks related. “The fire departments here have great leadership and volunteers who want to keep up with the ever-changing times. I believe there has to be teamwork between all entities for an organization to succeed. If all gears are running in alignment, then there will be progress.”
The duties of the fire marshal include assisting staff with fire safety inspections of businesses within the county to ensure that all NC Fire Codes are followed. The fire marshal and the staff identify and address any issues that may be a safety and risk hazard throughout the county, and perform origin and cause reports for fires, as determining how a fire started can be a complex task. The fire marshal’s office also performs fire and life safety training to ensure citizens know how to prevent fires.
Learn more about the Alexander County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Residents urged to register for CodeRED alerts
Alexander County Government has reinstated the use of the CodeRED emergency notification system to keep residents informed and enhance public safety. CodeRED is a useful tool to provide important messaging via phone, email, text, and push notifications.
Registration is quick, free, and easy. Residents may register for CodeRED alerts at https://accountportal.onsolve.net/AlexanderCountyCodeRED. For those who already have an account, sign in on the left side of the screen. For those who have never registered, click on “Register” on the right side and follow the prompts.
Residents can also text ALEXANDERCODERED to 24639 to opt in for text alerts and to receive the above sign-up link.
Alexander County Emergency Management Coordinator Daniel Fox said the county considered several emergency notification systems, but the planning committee believes CodeRED to be the best choice.
“Alexander County used CodeRED for several years, and it was especially helpful during COVID-19. We changed to a different service, but based on community feedback, we have now switched back to CodeRED,” said Fox. “After recent tragic events in our state and country, it is imperative to have a reliable means to send and receive alerts. The health, safety, and welfare of our residents and visitors are our top priorities. CodeRED provides us with the ability to direct key National Weather Service alerts to citizens quickly and provide community alerts in the event of other natural or manmade disasters.”
There are several benefits to enrolling in Alexander County’s CodeRED emergency notification system:
• During a crisis, real-time updates can provide life-saving instructions and information.
• Residents can receive important alerts and updates on their cell phone (voice, text, email, and/or push notifications) and home phone (voice only).
• Residents can receive notifications when there are public service announcements that specifically impact their location, including public safety hazards, severe weather, missing persons, road closures, water service updates, etc.
For more information or if you need help with the registration process, please contact Alexander County Emergency Management. Learn more at https://alexandercountync.gov/codered.
Special Needs Registry signup available
Alexander County Emergency Management urges the public to register for the Special Needs Registry, which has been established to assist those with special needs during an emergency or disaster situation.
Please add your information to the registry if you or a family member has any of the following conditions: hearing impaired, visually impaired, speech impaired, memory impaired, mentally impaired, special behavioral concerns, bedridden, use wheelchair, use walker, use cane, require 24-hour caregiver, bariatric needs, ongoing contagious condition, allergies, seizures, special dietary needs, DNR (do not resuscitate), living will, special medication, insulin dependent, wound care, incontinence, ostomy care, suction, G-tube, N-G tube, dialysis, sleep apnea machine, pacemaker, defibrillator, portable oxygen tank, oxygen generator, or other special needs.
To register, please visit http://alexandercountync.gov/specialneeds, or scan the QR code on the poster below. If you need assistance completing the form, call (828) 352-7709.
Alexander County EMS: Nightmare to Miracle — The Alyse Milstead Story
Meet Alyse Milstead. She has been no stranger to the medical world since birth. She was born with congenital heart defects, which required numerous surgeries, medical implants, and infections. Alyse was born with Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Ebstein’s anomaly of the tricuspid valve. She had her first open heart surgery at the age of 11 months. Since that time, she has had five other open-heart surgeries, five pacemakers, and endocarditis, twice. Despite the hardships of childhood and early adulthood due to these heart issues, Alyse has made the best of her life. She is happy and very thankful that she has been given the chance to continue living.
October 11, 2024
On this day, Alyse went about her normal routine. She went to work her normal hours, stopped on the way home to get the family some supper, and did all the normal nightly routines that the family has. After laying their 4-year-old daughter down to bed, Alyse and her husband also went to bed. It was a cool night in the small community of Sugar Loaf in the northern part of Alexander County.
October 12, 2024
0047hrs
In their residence, Alyse and her husband Wesley were asleep in their bed. The nightmare that was about to unfold would change their lives forever. Wesley woke up to a “thud” and called out to his wife, “Alyse, are you alright?” to which she did not respond. He then got up and found his wife lying on the bedroom floor, gasping for air. When he turned Alyse over, he found that she did not have a heartbeat. Wesley immediately began Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). He knew he needed to get help, so he paused CPR long enough to call his mother and instruct her to call 911 to get help on the way.
0049hrs
Frantically, Leigh (Wesley’s mother) called 911. Leigh told the dispatchers that her daughter-in-law was reportedly not breathing and attempted to give the address and phone number where she was located. While doing so, there were issues with hearing some of the information. After gathering all of the necessary information, the dispatchers at the Alexander County 911 Communications Center called Wesley’s phone to confirm exactly what was transpiring.
Wesley answered the phone in a panicked, horrified state but was able to relay the information needed for the dispatchers. After obtaining the appropriate information, Brian Williamson, the dispatcher who answered the 911 call, started instructing Wesley on how to perform CPR. Wesley was performing CPR in a thirty-inch area between the bed and the wall of the bedroom. It was a very small space for Wesley since he is 6’ 6” tall, but he made it work. All the while, their 4-year-old daughter, Evie, was sitting on their bed, awakened by the commotion. Ryan Crankshaw, another dispatcher, was alerting all emergency services of the call. As the minutes ticked by, the desperation and tiredness in Wesley’s voice was heard as he counted 1, 2, 3…23, 24, 25. He would repeat that over and over with dispatcher Williamson. Dispatcher Williamson continuously encouraged him not to give up.
While Wesley was doing CPR, he stopped quickly to turn on the porch light and unlock the door for first responders. He was concerned the first responders would not be able to easily find or access the house without doing so. He went back in and moved his daughter to the living room. He continued CPR, and he was so tired that he had to rest his head on the wall while continuing to count 1, 2, 3, and so on. Shortly thereafter, his mother, Leigh, arrived on the scene. She was terrified. All she knew to do was to comfort Evie and Wesley, and pray.
The first help arrived on the scene minutes after dispatch. It was Alexander County Sheriff’s Deputy, Sergeant Brandon Caudle. When Caudle arrived on the scene, he knew to move Alyse to a bigger area where CPR could be better performed. After moving her lifeless body, Caudle relieved Wesley and began CPR. Caudle continued until Alexander County Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS) Crew 3 arrived on the scene, approximately one minute later. Several volunteer firemen from the Sugar Loaf Volunteer Fire Department arrived to assist. Paramedic Justin Kerley and Paramedic Josh Welker would lead the care for Alyse. The on-duty EMS supervisor, Paramedic Brennan Moore, arrived a couple minutes after the crew.
Crew 3 immediately found Alyse, pulseless and not breathing. CPR was continued, and during a heart rhythm check, it was found that Alyse was in a deadly heart arrhythmia, Ventricular Fibrillation. In an attempt to correct this, Alyse was defibrillated, CPR was resumed, and lifesaving medications were administered. The paramedics also placed a breathing tube to ventilate and suction her airway. They would continue this cycle for over thirty minutes. After the seventh defibrillation and the eighth medication administration, the paramedics did one more heart rhythm check and found that Alyse had a heartbeat. During the time of treatment, Alyse would also suffer from seizure-like activity.
At 1:16 a.m., Leigh would call Alyse’s parents to let them know what was going on. Ronnie and Donna, who live in Kings Mountain, were scared. They did what any mother and father would do – they got dressed and started on what would be the longest two-hour drive of their life. Their drive was spent praying, attempting to call others to pray, and posting on Facebook for people to pray. No one was answering the phone due to the time of morning, but the post on Facebook caused her phone to start receiving comfort and prayers from others. “God, please don’t take my baby,” were all the words that Donna could muster up and speak. Leigh would remain on the phone with them updating them on what was going on.
With every update that Leigh gave she would add, “They are still working on her.” Every time she said those words it felt as if another knife was plunged into the hearts of Ronnie and Donna. Desperation filled the air with every update given. They knew those words meant that Alyse still had no heartbeat. They knew the longer she went without a heartbeat the lower her chance of survival. Leigh could hear everyone working in the bedroom, words so clear and crisp as if she were still present in the room, “I still don’t have a pulse,” and a few minutes later, “I have a faint pulse; no, I lost it.” Then, “I have a pulse.”
Alyse now had a pulse. It was faint, but present after 34 minutes of resuscitation efforts, which doesn’t include the time Wesley was doing CPR on his own. Alyse was immediately loaded in the ambulance with a volunteer fireman driving and all three paramedics in the back continuing to care for Alyse. Leigh remembers the somber moments when Alyse was rolled past them in the living room area, not knowing if they would ever see her alive again. She was transported by emergency traffic to Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health – Wilkes Medical Center for more definitive care.
Wesley, Evie, and Leigh would follow them, not knowing what they would find after arriving at the hospital. While following from a distance, Wesley made a frantic call to his pastor. Pastor James answered the call, and Wesley told him that Alyse was gasping for air and they didn’t have a heartbeat. Pastor James rushed out of his house to head to the hospital.
After arriving at the hospital and entering the doors, Wesley remembers there was no commotion other than what was being done to treat his wife. A staff member of the hospital escorted everyone to the family room. Only the pastor knew what that room meant. In his head, Pastor James knew that the room was used when a family member had passed and a doctor was coming in to tell them. He kept those thoughts to himself, but in his head, he was saying, ‘Please don’t put us in that room.’
Prior to the arrival of Alyse at the hospital, Charge Nurse Kendall was already preparing her staff and directing them on what each of them was to do upon the ambulance’s arrival. After Alyse’s arrival at the hospital, Nurse Kendall helped to keep everyone calm and updated, and was especially attentive to little Evie. Nurse Kendall was an angel to the family. One of the emergency room doctors came into the family room and informed them that they were doing everything they could to save Alyse’s life. He informed them that she was very sick. They remember him saying she had experienced cardiac arrest, her heart was in v-fib, her lungs had fluid in them, and on top of it all, she was positive for COVID.
After sitting in that room for what seemed like an eternity, a nurse came in and said that Alyse could have two visitors. Wesley and Pastor James went back while Leigh stayed with Evie. Alyse was gray in color, and her blood pressure was very, very low. She was on a ventilator, had multiple IVs, and various monitors going. Fluid was being suctioned from her lungs. Wesley informed staff that Alyse’s pacemaker leads were old and they were anticipating a pacemaker replacement in the near future and that all of her care has been done at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (AHCMC) in Charlotte. The staff started to make the phone calls needed to get an accepting doctor and helicopter transport.
Pastor James, along with Youth Pastor Matthew, who had now arrived, would spend time praying over Alyse and the family. Upon the arrival of her parents, they were escorted back to be with Alyse as well. There were so many emotions going on, from tears to prayers to hand-holding to telling her that she is a fighter to saying they are all there for her. By now, staff had finally been able to get her stabilized enough for the transfer to Charlotte.
Staff informed the family that the helicopter would be there in 20 minutes, as they began to prep her for the flight. Those 20 minutes, which seemed like forever, were also short because it was time to kiss her and tell her goodbye. The family followed as Alyse was taken to the helicopter and watched as she was loaded. Nurse Kendall was with the family the entire time. Watching the helicopter lift off seemed like an eternity, but they watched, prayed some more, and cried, not knowing what they would find when they got to Charlotte.
While gathering belongings, they sat in silence for a while to try and absorb what all had happened. Pastor James prayed over them before they would start their journey to Charlotte. Alyse was admitted to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). While knowing she had COVID, she was also found to have double pneumonia. Even though she was on the ventilator, she was trying to breathe on her own. Alyse woke up several times attempting to pull her breathing tube out, which would then require more sedation medications. An echocardiogram was done showing that only 15% of her heart was functioning. One of her valves was leaking more than before, but her pulse was good, and her heart was pacing at 100 percent.
On Sunday, 10/13/24 at 9:22 a.m., Alyse was taken off the ventilator. On Monday, 10/14/24 at 9:36 a.m., Alyse sat up for the first time in the bed and then in her recliner. On Tuesday, 10/15/24 at 4:40 p.m., Alyse walked around the unit for the first time. She was tired at the end, but she did not stop one time. More echocardiograms and pacemaker checks were done. Alyse’s heart function increased from 15 percent to 43 percent. This was very good news. Alyse showed signs of short-term memory loss; however, the doctors said this was very normal and that it should improve over time. Her nurses in the CVICU (Jonathan, Katie, Cameron, and Ian) were wonderful and took such great care of Alyse, her family, and her friends. The staff at AHCMC were amazed at how fast she was recovering and how far she had come in such a short time. Dr. Alegria, the cardiologist, and Dr. Bryant, from pediatric cardiology and electrophysiology, talked with the family. Doctors discussed wanting Alyse to heal before more surgeries. After six weeks of healing, the plan will be to go back and take a close look at her heart and valve with the idea of replacing her pacemaker, implanting a defibrillator, and looking at the valve to see if the leaking has decreased.
Alyse was moved out of the CVICU on 10/16/24 and into her own room on the heart floor. Since she had seizure-like activity at the house during the event, the neurologist came in to do an assessment and ordered an EEG. The doctor did see some short-term memory loss, but the EEG did not show any seizure activity. On 10/17/24, Alyse was fitted with a life vest that she must wear all the time except to shower, and someone will need to be near her when she isn’t wearing it. After receiving instructions on the life vest, Alyse was discharged to go home.
After being discharged from the hospital, Alyse visited Alexander County EMS Station 1, where she could meet the crew that took care of her. It was a meeting filled with tears, hugs, and appreciation. Pictures of the moments were captured during the visit, and the memories will last a lifetime.
In emergency services, a patient’s outcome is rarely known. Some hospitals will give updates when requested, but EMS crews rarely get to meet the patients again. Then there are patients like Alyse, who want to thank EMS for a job well done. Praise for a job well done means the world to anyone in emergency services.
This story also serves as a reminder that learning CPR is imperative to saving a life. While major strides have been made since every student in public schools is eventually taught the valuable skill, many people still do not know what to do when faced with this situation. Thankfully, there are people on the other side after dialing 911 who will be there to assist with whatever emergency one is facing.
Alexander County declares State of Emergency due to Hurricane Helene
10/3/24, 4:00 pm UPDATE:
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to Alexander County residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Please share this information with those who sustained real estate or personal property damage. Read more at https://alexandercountync.gov/sba-offers-low-interest-disaster-assistance-to-residents-businesses-affected-by-hurricane-helene/.
10/3/24, 9:30 am UPDATE:
Alexander County is aware of two (2) impassable roads: Black Oak Ridge Road (culvert issue) and Friendly Church Road (trees and power lines down). Drivers are urged to stay alert, allow extra travel time, and check drivenc.gov for current road closure updates.
A total of 696 homes (3.57 percent of the county) are currently without power: Blue Ridge Energy, 37 outages; Duke Energy, 659 outages; and EnergyUnited, 0 outages. Duke Energy is attempting to have most, if not all, power restored by the end of the day on Friday, October 4.
To receive local weather and emergency alerts, sign up for Hyper-Reach at http://bit.ly/hyper-reach-alexander.
10/1/24, 2:30 pm UPDATE:
The NC Hwy. 16 South bridge at Oxford Dam has reopened.
10/1/24, 9:45 am UPDATE:
Hurricane Helene will long be remembered in western North Carolina for its path of destruction. At the height of the storm on Friday afternoon, September 27, approximately 58 percent (11,300) of Alexander County homes were without electricity, and 174 roadways were compromised with downed trees and power lines. That same day, Alexander County 9-1-1 Communications processed 190 emergency calls and 1,559 other calls while dispatching 580 calls for assistance. Eighteen (18) structures were damaged during the storm. Alexander County Government would like to express appreciation to the many agencies involved in emergency response and recovery: volunteer fire departments and first responders, Alexander Rescue Squad, Alexander County EMS, Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Alexander County 9-1-1 Communications, Alexander County Emergency Management, electric companies (including those coming from out of state to help with recovery), NCDOT (which has worked non-stop during the storm), National Weather Service of Greenville-Spartanburg, North Carolina Emergency Management, and Alexander County citizens who helped their neighbors and stayed off the roads.
9/30/24, 6:30 pm UPDATE:
Storm Update: White Plains Road is scheduled to be open by 7:00 p.m. tonight, which leaves three (3) roads impassable: NC Hwy. 16 South (Oxford Dam bridge), Black Oak Ridge Road (culvert washout), and Friendly Church Road (trees and power lines). There are currently 1,645 customers without power: Duke Energy – 1,540, Blue Ridge Energy – 91, and EnergyUnited – 14.
9/29/24, 8:00 pm UPDATE:
There are still 3,500 homes without power, but electric crews have made significant progress. Seven (7) roads are still closed due to the storm, including Hwy. 16 South bridge (Oxford Dam), Berea Church Quincy Road, Jim Millsaps Road, Black Oak Ridge Road, Country Road, Friendly Church Road, and White Plains Road. It appears that Spectrum service has been restored in the area; therefore, phone and internet service has been restored to most County offices. Cell phone service has also greatly improved in most of the county.
9/29/24, 5:00 pm UPDATE:
Alexander County Government offices will operate on a regular schedule on Monday, September 30; however, most offices do not have phone service due to a Spectrum outage. In addition, some buildings/departments have limited internet capability which may affect customer service. These buildings include Animal Services, Bethlehem and Stony Point Branch Libraries, Economic Development, EMS Stations #1 & #3, Garage, License Plate Agency, and Pre-Trial Release. For non-emergency calls, please call (828) 632-2911. As always, dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
9/28/24, 5:30 pm UPDATE:
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been placed in standby mode to allow emergency personnel to rest as they have been manning the EOC for many hours. If an incident arises that requires more manpower, the EOC will be reopened. There are still numerous roadways that are closed throughout the county, the Hwy. 16 South bridge at Oxford Dam remains closed, and many people are without power, internet, and cell service. We appreciate everyone’s efforts as we work together to restore services to the citizens of Alexander County. If you have a non-emergency issue, call (828) 632-2911. As always, in the event of an emergency call 9-1-1.
9/28/24, 12:00 noon UPDATE:
As of 12:00 noon, 27.5 percent of Alexander County is without electric service: Duke Energy – 3,296 customers, EnergyUnited – 1,893, and Blue Ridge Energy – 172. There are still 18 roads that are currently closed, with several roads down to one lane. The Hwy. 16 South bridge at Oxford Dam will remain closed indefinitely until NCDOT can do a comprehensive inspection. As for the Hwy. 127 bridge, there is substantial debris but NCDOT has no plans to close the bridge as they have no structural concerns following an inspection. Duke Energy is in the process of debris removal. Please understand that non-essential travel is highly discouraged as it slows down the response and recovery process.
Rocky Face Park and Alexander County Libraries are closed today. The concert scheduled for 7:00 p.m. tonight at Courthouse Park has been canceled due to storm damage and emergency response.
The combination of power outages, cell phone outages, and travel difficulties have combined to make this storm event very challenging. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience
9/28/24, 10:30 am UPDATE:
NC Department of Transportation has shut down Highway 16 South at Oxford Dam due to the volume of water being moved through the dam. Please avoid this area.
9/27/24, 2:45 pm UPDATE:
Alexander County and the Town of Taylorsville have issued a Voluntary Curfew from Friday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m. until Saturday, September 28 at 8:00 a.m. to help ensure the safety of our citizens. It is highly recommended that citizens stay off the roads during this time due to downed power lines and other debris in the roadways. Alexander County Emergency Services and Town of Taylorsville personnel have responded to more than 600 calls today, and have worked tirelessly to clear roadways and respond to calls. The curfew will allow them to rest and replenish emergency supplies. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we all work together to restore services in our county.
Other Updates: The emergency shelter at Alexander Central High School will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, but will reopen if necessary. Rocky Face Park and the Alexander County Library system will remain closed on Saturday. Eighteen (18) structures were damaged during the storm. Nineteen (19) roads are still completely blocked, with three (3) roads partially closed. Approximately 58 percent (11,300) of homes in Alexander County are still without electricity.
9/27/24, 12:30 noon UPDATE:
Seventeen (17) roads are fully closed and two (2) roads are partially closed in Alexander County due to downed trees and power lines. At the height of the storm, there were 174 road closures.
Fully closed roads include: Zeb Watts Road, Lindsay Bebber Road, White Plains Road, Hwy. 16 North, Jim Millsaps Road, Berea Church Quincy Road, Dula Loop, Sulphur Springs Road, White Hollar Lane, Caldwell Pond Road, Daniels Lumber Road, Lambert Fork Road, Smith Grove Church Road, Robinette Road, Country Road, Polk Street, and Jolly Cemetery Road.
Partially closed roads include: Sharpe Mill Road and Black Oak Ridge Road.
We sincerely appreciate our Volunteer Fire Departments and the NCDOT for their hard work during the storm.
9/27/24, 11:00 am UPDATE:
Due to power outages and storm damage, Alexander County has opened an emergency shelter at Alexander Central High School in the JV gym (223 School Drive, Taylorsville). Anyone who is in need of shelter or assistance is welcome to utilize the shelter. Please be sure to bring any necessary items, such as toiletry/hygiene items, clothing, medications, pillows, dietary needs, etc. Cots and blankets will be provided.
9/27/24, 10:00 am UPDATE:
A large tree has fallen across Rink Dam Road near River Hills Court. The road is blocked in both directions. If you don’t need to drive, please stay home.
9/27/24, 8:45 am UPDATE:
Approximately 42 percent of Alexander County is experiencing a power outage due to Hurricane Helene. Duke Energy has 3,608 customers without power, EnergyUnited – 5,035, and Blue Ridge Energy – 172. In addition, cell coverage is spotty in certain areas of the county. Non-essential Alexander County offices are closed for the day. Residents are highly encouraged to stay home if at all possible as emergency responders are extremely busy with downed trees and power lines.
The following roads are closed in both directions: Country Road, Lambert Fork Road, Robinette Road, Smith Grove Church Road, and Sulphur Springs Road. There are downed trees in many areas of the county, so please use extreme caution if you must travel.
9/26/24, 6:30 pm UPDATE:
Alexander County has already received 5+ inches of rain at the weather station at the Emergency Management office in Taylorsville. To control lake levels, Duke Energy is anticipating the opening of additional floodgates at Oxford Dam, which could result in the closure of Hwy. 16 South at the bridge due to high water.
The Emergency Operations Center has been activated and will remain open for the duration of the storm and its aftermath.
An emergency shelter has been established for those families who live along the Catawba River downstream of Oxford Dam. At this time, Sheriff’s Deputies are in the process of visiting homes to serve evacuation notices on the following roads: Fred Jolly Lane, River Shoals Ridge Drive, Mountaire Drive, Carl Fox Road, Perry Fox Lane, Olive Road, Grasshopper Circle, and Stewart Rock Road. These residents are being advised to stay with family or friends during the storm, or to visit the emergency shelter at Wittenburg Volunteer Fire Department. Depending on the need, a secondary plan is in place for a larger emergency shelter.
High-water issues have been reported on Liledoun Road (near Sipe Road), Robinette Road, Hwy. 127 (near Devil’s Track Road), and Heavenly Acres Lane.
Several more inches of rain are expected tonight and tomorrow, along with very high winds. Residents are strongly advised to stay at home tonight as roadways may be hazardous.
Alexander County Government offices will operate on a two-hour delay on Friday, September 27. Rocky Face Park will be closed on Friday.
If you have questions or concerns, please call (828) 352-7817.
—————————————————
9/27/24, 6:00 pm UPDATE:
Hurricane Helene is now about 500 miles south-southwest of Greenville/Spartanburg SC or about 540 miles south-southwest of Asheville NC
– 27.9N 84.6W
– Storm Intensity 125 mph
– Movement North-northeast or 25 degrees at 23 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
——————
Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall over the Florida Panhandle this evening and move quickly north through Georgia. Significant, potentially catastrophic flash flooding and major mainstem river flooding is expected over portions of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia this evening into early Friday, especially along the Blue Ridge escarpment. Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph with up to 80 mph across the higher ridge tops will be associated with Helene as the center of the storm tracks just west of the County Warning Area tonight into Friday morning. The combination of saturated soils and strong wind gusts will result in numerous downed trees, leading to numerous power outages. Numerous landslides may occur across the mountains, with large, damaging debris flows or slope failures possible. Several brief tornadoes are also possible, mainly across the Piedmont.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
—————–
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across the North Carolina mountains, northeast Georgia, and Upstate South Carolina. Potential impacts include:
– 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.
* WIND:
Protect against dangerous wind having possible significant impacts across the western North Carolina mountains and northeast Georgia and the western Upstate South Carolina. Potential impacts in this area include:
– Some damage to roofing and siding materials, along with damage to porches, awnings, carports, and sheds. A few buildings experiencing window, door, and garage door failures. Mobile homes damaged, especially if unanchored. Unsecured lightweight objects become dangerous projectiles.
– Several large trees snapped or uprooted, but with greater numbers in places where trees are shallow rooted. Several fences and roadway signs blown over.
– Some roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban or heavily wooded places. A few bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable.
– Scattered power and communications outages, but more prevalent in areas with above ground lines.
Also, protect against hazardous wind having possible limited impacts across the remainder of the western Carolinas.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a dangerous tornado event having possible significant impacts across the eastern South Carolina Piedmont and the North Carolina Piedmont. Potential impacts include:
– The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
– Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
– Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about. Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across the rest of the Piedmont and Foothills of the western Carolinas and northeast Georgia.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
———————————-
* EVACUATIONS:
Follow the advice of local officials.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to complete all preparations to protect life and property in accordance with your emergency plan. Ensure you are in a safe location before the onset of strong winds or possible flooding.
Keep cell phones well charged. Cell phone chargers for automobiles can be helpful, but be aware of your risk for deadly carbon monoxide poisoning if your car is left idling in a garage or other poorly ventilated area.
It is important to remain calm, informed, and focused during an emergency. Be patient and helpful with those you encounter.
Rapidly rising flood waters are deadly. If you are in a flood-prone area, consider moving to higher ground. Never drive through a flooded roadway. Remember, turn around don’t drown!
If a Tornado Warning is issued for your area, be ready to shelter quickly, preferably away from windows and in an interior room not prone to flooding. If driving, scan the roadside for quick shelter options.
Closely monitor weather.gov, NOAA Weather radio or local news outlets for official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to the forecast. Ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather warnings.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
– For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
– For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
– For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
NEXT UPDATE
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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC around 11 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
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Alexander County has declared a State of Emergency in preparation for the effects of Hurricane Helene. The storm is expected to bring several inches of rain, significant flash flooding, and very high winds to Alexander County and western North Carolina. Duke Energy is monitoring lake levels and will release water from Lake Hickory at the Oxford Dam.
There were false reports that the Oxford Dam Bridge was being closed this afternoon, but no plans are in place at this time. This will be the decision of Duke Energy and NCDOT, and is not expected until late tonight or early Friday morning (only if necessary).
Citizens are urged to sign up for the county’s mass notification system, Hyper-Reach, at https://bit.ly/hyper-reach-alexander.
Residents are encouraged to prepare for this storm which may cause flooding, power outages, road closures, downed trees, and downed power lines.
Stay informed through the county website (https://alexandercountync.gov/news), social media channels, and local news. Further instructions on emergency shelter locations and evacuation procedures will be shared as needed.