Live Updates: Asheville, NC Floods – 10 Confirmed Deaths in Buncombe County

Relief efforts are ongoing in Asheville and across Western North Carolina, where Tropical Storm Helene has caused widespread devastation. Communities have been severely impacted, with roads blocked and thousands still without power.

Stay tuned for live updates throughout Sunday.

11:30 a.m.: 10 Deaths Confirmed in Buncombe County

Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller confirmed 10 deaths in the county due to Tropical Storm Helene during a 10 a.m. briefing on Sept. 29.

At this time, the names of the victims have not been released.

“With limited phone and internet access, we want to ensure that loved ones are informed before making their identities public,” Miller said. “Our hearts are heavy with this tragic news, and we ask that the community be given the space and time to grieve this profound loss.”

11:10 a.m.: Travel Nearly Impossible in Western North Carolina

As of Sunday morning, more than 200 roads are closed across North Carolina, including major highways like Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 at the Tennessee-North Carolina border, according to the state’s road closures map. The closure of I-40 near the state line is expected to be long-term. I-40 is also shut down at Old Fort Mountain, with reopening estimated for noon on Tuesday, Oct. 1, according to the NCDOT.

For updates on road closures, visit drivenc.gov. State emergency officials are advising against any travel in or to Western North Carolina.

11:05 a.m.: Attorney General Josh Stein Issues Price Gouging Warning

On Sunday, Attorney General Josh Stein reminded North Carolinians that it is illegal to excessively raise prices on goods and services during a state of emergency.

Residents can report instances of price gouging or other concerns related to Tropical Storm Helene by contacting the North Carolina Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or visiting www.ncdoj.gov/pricegouging.

10:55 a.m.: Schools Announce Monday Closures

Several schools in Western North Carolina have announced closures following Tropical Storm Helene, though information remains limited.

Asheville City Schools will be closed on Monday, Sept. 30, and Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Buncombe County Schools will also be closed for students on Monday, Sept. 30, and Tuesday, Oct. 1, with both days designated as annual leave for staff.

Jackson County Schools will be closed for students from Monday, Sept. 30, through Wednesday, Oct. 2. Wednesday will be a planned staff development day.

10:45 a.m.: Families Line Up for Water in West Asheville

On Sept. 29, Brandi Hayes, 37, waited in a long line outside the Ingles Markets grocery store on Haywood Road in West Asheville, hoping to buy water, bread, and other essentials.rinbook

Shea Davis, the store manager, told the Citizen that the store was nearly out of water, bread, and charcoal just a short time later. When the store opened at 7:30 a.m., dozens of people were already lined up.

As of 10 a.m. on Sept. 29, the county had not yet provided information about water distribution sites.

10:20 a.m.: Most Flights Canceled at Asheville Regional Airport

As of Sept. 29, many flights at Asheville Regional Airport remain canceled due to ongoing issues with phone and internet service, according to an update from airport spokesperson Tina Kinsey.

All Delta flights scheduled before noon have been canceled, and no other airlines are currently operating.

While some flights and airlines may resume as connections are restored, the airport advises passengers to check directly with their airlines for flight updates. The Asheville Regional Airport website is not reliably updating flight information at this time.

Buncombe County Press Conference Scheduled for 10 a.m. ET

County officials will hold a press conference this morning to provide updates on the ongoing relief efforts. You can watch the livestream below.

Biden Declares Major Disaster in North Carolina

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. has declared a major disaster in North Carolina, according to a White House press release issued Saturday.

This declaration makes federal funding available to individuals in the following counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

Federal assistance includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property damage, and other recovery programs for individuals and businesses affected by the disaster.

Asheville Water Distribution Sites: What We Know

Buncombe County is working to establish water distribution sites and will announce their locations once they are operational, according to County Manager Avril Pinder.

“We expect to have that up and running by tomorrow,” Pinder stated.

“Most residents are still without water, power, and cell service.”

Buncombe County Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole noted that the Highway Patrol is working to escort essential supplies and resources into the affected areas.

This article originally appeared in the Asheville Citizen Times: Western North Carolina Flood Updates: 10 Confirmed Deaths in Buncombe County.