News Release From Burke County Emergency Services:
Burke County Emergency Services, in conjunction with the multiple county and city fire departments, have been working hard overnight to support the safety of our citizens. Calls for service due to the storm overnight include 2 calls where we utilized our swift water rescue team, 47 tree-down calls, and 18 flooding calls.
The following roadways are impacted that we know of, and we expect there are many that we are unaware of. It is important to note that as of 6:00am all main roadways are open and passable. Please do not place our responders in danger by driving around barricades.
NC 126 at Linville River near Parks Drive is flooded and barricaded off.
Gingercake and Joe Johnnson Road is impacted by a mudslide
Bost Road at Spainhour Rd is flooded and barricaded
Antioch Road is closed due to flooding of Lower Creek. Barricades are installed
Government Drive is partially flooded
Seitz Road at John Berry Rd is impassable due to flooding
Johns River Loop is shut down due to flooding
Henderson Milld Road is flooded in the curve near Gragg Farm
East Parker Road was flooded below Juniper Street but has since reopened. As heavier rain moves back in it will likely flood again.
Bethel Park is under water.
Coal Chute Road is closed due to water from Hunting Creek over the bridge.
NC 126 at Brookstone Drive has 3-4 ft of water standing in it.
The Catawba River Greenway in Morganton is underwater in spots and closed
Flooding is reported on Ceramic Tile Drive
Many trees are coming down across the county. If you do not have to be out to drive this morning, please stay home.
Burke County is in a Flash Flood Emergency. This means life-threatening catastrophic flooding is ongoing across the county. Do not drive through flooded roadways; they may be washed out from under the water.
The 911 Center is processing a high call volume at this time. Please do not call 911 to report power outages as the 911 cannot expedite your power being restored. Additionally, 911 Telcommunicators cannot advise you of traffic conditions. Please utilize www.drivenc.gov as the NC Department of Transportation is maintaining road conditions live.
Voluntary evacuation areas in Burke County
• Special attention to – Linville River, Lake James, John’s River, Catawba River,
• Lake Rhodhiss, & Henry Fork River flood-prone areas.
• Special attention to – campgrounds, RV parks, & recreational sites near Flood-prone areas.
• Flood-prone areas near all streams, creeks, ponds, rivers and lakes.
• Areas with history of flooding, regardless of severity or location.
SHELTERING
Burke County Emergency Management recommends that residents who are evacuating attempt to relocate with a friend or family member who resides in an area that is not subject to flooding. Residents should only take essential items for personal health when evacuating. Evacuating residents needing shelter assistance can call Shelter Operations at 828-764-9383.
For updates, visit the Burke County website and stay tuned to local news outlets.
For live coverage, visit https://www.readync.gov/
All County Essential functions will remain operational.
Solid waste convenience sites and the county landfill closed will remain closed through Friday, September 27th, 2024. Convenience sites and the county landfill will reopen during normal business hours on Saturday, September 28th, 2024.
Updates on closures will be available on the county website.
Property Damage & Assessments: Following the storm, county officials will begin assessing personal property storm damage across all areas of Burke County.
As of 6:00 a.m., Duke Energy is showing Lake James currently at 104.6 with an expected crest more than 110 ft. This will be an all-time high-water level for Lake James. Duke reports that Lake Rhodhiss is currently at 101.4 ft and are expecting a crest to exceed 110 ft.
Officials urge residents to take all necessary precautions, stay updated on weather conditions, and heed evacuation orders if necessary. The county’s next official storm update call is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today and up-to-date information will be provided by 6 p.m.
For updates, visit the Burke County website and stay tuned to local news outlets.
For live coverage, visit https://www.readync.gov/
More on Burke County Emergency Officials Release Storm Update available on WHKY.
