Watauga County emergency management officials, who had already received six to eight inches of rain from a previous storm system on Wednesday, express concern about the storm’s impact on their hilly community. Following intense rain and a tornado, the system has already caused damage to the region and washed out flood-prone roadways like Casey Lane.
With Hurricane Helene, experts predict another 6 to 8 inches of rain, bringing the total amount of rain since Wednesday to over a foot. The director of Watauga County Emergency Management is Will Holt. He warns residents to prepare for roads to be washed out by heavy rain and trees and powerlines to be toppled by severe winds.
According to Holt, the local emergency medical services (EMS) have been inspecting equipment, setting up emergency shelters, and getting swift water teams ready for anything Helene may bring.
However, he also states that the community must contribute in some way.
“There is no longer any need to prepare. Remain at home. We are aware that the floodwaters in the highlands surge and fall swiftly,” he remarked.
It’s safest, according to Holt, to remain indoors. However, he advises turning back and not driving over flooded roads if you must travel and see them.
The region’s school systems have announced that Watauga County schools would not be holding courses for children until Friday. Appalachian State University said that through Friday, all classes at its campuses in Boone and Hickory will be conducted virtually.
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