GOV. EASLEY URGES CAUTION AS FRANCES EXITS NORTH CAROLINA
Swift water rescue teams help with evacuations and rescues in western part of the state

RALEIGH – Gov. Mike Easley today reminded citizens that North Carolina is still under a State of Emergency due to flooding and tornadoes caused by Tropical Depression Frances.  Easley also urged citizens to remain vigilant as Frances exits North Carolina.  Flooding in the western part of the state has caused numerous evacuations and tornado watches remain in effect for much of the state.

“As of this morning, as much as 12 inches of rain has fallen in the North Carolina mountains,” said Easley.  “The additional accumulation since then, plus the rain that falls later today, could result in storm totals approaching 15 inches in some mountain locations.

“Flooding remains the biggest concern with Frances.  Citizens should not drive onto flooded roads because only a few inches of water can float a car.  Avoid flooded areas including creeks, rivers and streams.  Flash floods can occur at any moment.  Citizens need to stay tuned to their local weather forecasts for the latest information and I advise everyone to heed the advice of their local officials when it comes to evacuations and other warnings.”

The State Emergency Response Team continues its around-the-clock operations.   A total of 140 National Guard soldiers are on duty with personnel and vehicles assigned to work with swift water rescue teams as well as other missions across the western part of the state.  Warehouse and generator teams are in place.  In addition, four National Guard helicopters are flying missions and one additional helicopter has been placed on standby.

Numerous swift water rescue teams assisted with evacuations and rescues overnight in Jackson, Avery, Haywood, Caldwell, Henderson and Mitchell counties.  Today, nine people were rescued from flooded areas near Morganton by a National Guard helicopter and Charlotte swift water rescue teams.

The State Highway Patrol has put its personnel on alert and dispatched additional troopers to support the western part of the state.

At mid-day, there were 12,000 reported power outages mainly in Wilkes, Cleveland, Henderson and Haywood counties.  Twenty-seven shelters are open in 13 counties in western North Carolina.

More than 215 primary and secondary roads are impassable due to high water and mudslides.  Four of the six lanes of I-40 in McDowell County at the top of Old Fort Mountain are still closed due to a mudslide and motorists are being re-routed.

Road conditions are worse in the counties surrounding the Asheville area and in counties along the Tennessee state line and south of the Boone area.  There is also flooding on secondary roads in the western and southern Piedmont and the Sandhills.

The Governor’s emergency bilingual hotline activated at noon yesterday providing citizens with updated information on the weather, road closings, shelter and feeding sites.  English and Spanish speaking people should call toll-free 1-888-835-9966;  deaf and hard of hearing people may call 1-877-877-1765.

Additional information on flood safety is available at www.nccrimecontrol.org/severeweather.  Flood recovery information is available at www.dhhs.state.nc.us/docs/hurricane.htm.  Specific road condition information is available at www.ncsmartlink.org or by calling 511. 

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