In collaboration with multiple county and city fire departments, Burke County Emergency Services continues are continuing to work to support the safety and well-being of citizens and visitors. A news release from the county says the storm has caused catastrophic impacts across Burke County and much of western North Carolina, with widespread damage, power outages, and ongoing rescue operations.
Assessments were still being conducted regarding possible injuries and fatalities. The City of Morganton was still under the boil water advisory, and citizens were asked to conserve water while the system repairs continue. Therefore, when water service is restored, consumers are advised to boil all water used for human consumption.
Water customers are strongly urged to conserve water whenever possible. This advisory remains in effect until further notification is issued. The City of Morganton supplies water to Brentwood Water and Burke County Water. Out of an abundance of caution Valdese is also under a boil water advisory. Burke County Emergency Management has requested drinking water supplies from State Emergency Management.
Line crews from across the Nation and Canada continue to work on restoring power to the county. On Sunday (September 29), the percentage of power outages dropped from 73% to 64% in Burke County. A flood warning is in effect for Burke County until 2:00 pm Monday as waters continue to recede. Continue to avoid flooded roadways. All roads in Western North Carolina and Burke County should remain closed.
Power crews have reported encountering significant traffic that does not give them enough space to work on repairs. If you’re driving, be patient. When linemen arrive at a work site, they may need to reduce the road to a single lane in some instances. Their work takes precedence over your travel needs. I-40 remains closed to non-essential travel. Emergency services are utilizing the interstate to travel into Western North Carolina. If you are stopped, you will be requested to validate your reason for travel.
Cell phone coverage was still degraded throughout the entire county as of Sunday night. The signal may come and go, but telecommunication partners are working to repair critical infrastructure, specifically the fiber that feeds the cell phone networks that the catastrophic flooding washed away. Over the next several days, the cell phone signal should continue to improve.
More on Recovery Efforts From Storm Continue In Hard Hit Burke County available on WHKY.
