As Henderson County faces historic flooding that has left six dead — a number that is estimated to grow — the county and the city of Hendersonville working on opening new resources for residents that have been impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. In total, at least 41 deaths have been reported between Buncombe, Henderson and Macon counties.
Hendersonville City Manager John Connet said that the county’s “hearts go out to everyone impacted” by the storm, as emergency services continue to complete rescues into the morning of Sept. 30.
With one of the highest rain totals in the region, 6 miles south of the city of Hendersonville received a total of 21.96 inches of rain following the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Doug Outlaw. A mile south of Hendersonville, NWS measures indicate that 16.15 inches fell. The storm had been followed days of torrential rain and light downpours.
“Our first responders are actively completing rescue and recovery efforts. Please stay home to keep the roads clear for these efforts and as utility crews work to restore critical services,” Connet said. Portions of Hendersonville are experiencing water outages and periods of low pressure due to damage, Connet said, noting that a boil water advisory is in affect for the city.