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.

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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
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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
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* 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
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* 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.