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WTUS82 KGSP 271900
HLSGSP
GAZ010-017-018-026-028-029-NCZ033-035>037-048>053-056>059-062>065-068>072-082-501>510-SCZ008>014-019-101>109-280300-

Tropical Depression Helene Local Statement
Intermediate Advisory Number 17A
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC  AL092024
300 PM EDT Fri Sep 27 2024

This product covers the western Carolinas and NE Georgia

HELENE WEAKENS TO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION AS IT EXITS THE AREA.
RIVER AND SMALL STREAM FLOODING WILL CONTINUE ACROSS MUCH OF
THE AREA IN ITS WAKE.

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - All watches and warnings have been canceled

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 230 miles west-northwest of Charlotte NC or about 180
      miles northwest of Greenville/Spartanburg SC
    - 36.6N 84.6W
    - Storm Intensity 35 mph
    - Movement North-northwest or 330 degrees at 28 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Helene has been downgraded to a Tropical Depression. The system, which
is positioned over eastern Kentucky this afternoon, will continue to
pull away from the area. However, significant river and areal flooding
will continue over the next several days across the western Carolinas
and northeast Georgia, particularly in the vicinity of the mountains
and foothills. We continue to advise against travel unless fleeing
rising floodwaters. Gusty winds behind the system will eventually
subside toward sunset. The threat of landslides will gradually subside
as the rain exits the area through the rest of the afternoon.


POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* WIND:
Little to no additional impacts are anticipated at this time across
the western Carolinas and NE Georgia.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Excessive runoff from the heavy rain over the past few days will
continue to produce areal and river flooding across the western
Carolinas and NE Georgia.

* TORNADOES:
No impacts are anticipated at this time across the western Carolinas
and NE Georgia.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
An evacuation is ongoing downstream of Lake Lure as a dam failure is
imminent there.

Otherwise, follow the advice of local officials.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:

If your home or shelter was damaged, be alert to the smell of gas
leaks and be cautious around electrical wiring, broken glass, jagged
metal and wood, and protruding nails and screws.

Do not attempt to return to evacuated areas until local authorities
have inspected roads and bridges and have given the all clear.
Hazards like downed power lines and trees, washed out roads,
continued flooding in low lying areas and non-functioning traffic
lights make travel difficult.

When inspecting damage, use flashlights rather than candles or flamed
lanterns. Be aware of sparks that can ignite natural gas or other
leaking flammables.

When clearing out fallen trees, be careful with chainsaws and axes.
Always wear protective gear and keep others at a safe distance.
Leaning trees and those which have fallen on roofs or power lines can
be especially dangerous. If you are not in good health or unsure
about what you are doing, have someone with tree cutting experience
do the job. Never cut trees without a partner.

If using a generator, avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by following
instructions provided by the manufacturer. Operate your generator in
a well-ventilated space outside of your living area and away from
open doors and windows.

Problems with sewer backups can further contaminate standing flood
waters. Keep children away from flood waters. Also, listen for boil
water alerts as tap water may have become non-potable.

Be alert for any lingering wind gusts which could take down weakened
trees and/or power lines, collapse damaged structures, or cause
flying debris.

Be alert for flooding from rising rivers and streams which may have
yet to crest. Remain informed of the latest river forecasts and heed
any flood watches and warnings.

Be alert for flooded roads which could be compromised or littered
with debris. Avoid travel until water levels subside and roads have
been cleared. Do not drive through places where flood waters cover
the road. Turn around, don`t drown!


* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

As it pertains to this event...this will be the last local statement
issued by the National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg SC
regarding the effects of tropical cyclone hazards upon the area.

$$