Hurricane Helene Update

September 26, 2024

**UPDATE – Oct. 5, 2024**

As we work to restore normal water service to our remaining customers, we are asking ALL water customers to continue conserving water for essential uses only.

If all our customers responsibly use this precious resource, our system will recover more quickly.

Power line safety:

* Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging.

* Consider all power lines – as well as trees, limbs and anything else in contact with power lines – energized and dangerous.

* Report all power line hazards to Duke Energy at 800.228.8485, or contact your local emergency services department or agency.

* Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, schoolyards, etc.).

* If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.

**UPDATE – Oct. 2, 2024**
As all communities in Western North Carolina, Montreat sustained catastrophic damage. All five bridges across Flat Creek were impassable, all 18 miles of roadway have severe damage with some still impassable, water is not available, and so much more. Our Public Works staff and Montreat Police Department have done heroic work clearing roads and working on the bridges.

But funds are needed to rebuild the Montreat infrastructure. Donations may be made by clicking this link, please put Helene Cleanup in the purpose box: https://montreatnc.municipalonlinepayments.com/montreatnc/easypay/ZIF2NYN4fUuXxTQwPw5Tag/landcare-contribution

Your gift, given to the Town of Montreat, is a tax deductible contribution under section 170(c)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code. You will receive a formal tax statement from the town before the end of the year.

Thank you for helping us rebuild the Town we love so dearly.

**UPDATE – September 30**

A curfew for the Town of Montreat will be in place this evening, September 30, beginning at 8:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m., October 1, 2024.

The exception includes healthcare emergencies, healthcare workers, emergency first responders, and incident command which is necessary to maintain order and protect public health, safety and welfare, to to secure property.

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We will be distributing water at the gate parking lot tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

We will also be sending our police officers to deliver water to harder to reach areas. If you know of someone who needs water, please email the address to Savannah Parrish before 9 a.m. 

The email address is [email protected]. 

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An informational meeting with town officials will be held at Assembly Inn on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 11:30. This meeting is for informational purposes only.

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There is a water distribution site at Ingles in Black Mountain, open at 9 a.m. Please be patient and orderly. Lines will be long.

Bounty and Soul will be distributing prepared meals Monday in Grovemont Park/the Square around noon. Please continue to bring your own containers for water.

The town will also be receiving an additional distribution of water today. We will post details on a distribution location as soon as we have them.

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We will be distributing water from 11:30 until supplies are gone at the gate parking lot. Supplies are extremely limited. Two bottles per person. We are working to secure an additional shipment.

The police and fire department are going door to door today, Sunday, September 29, to assess needs and check on residents. They will be working in 

Shelters

Shelters are open in three locations: 

Overnight Emergency Shelter: General population shelter

  • AB Tech Conference Center – 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (use Victoria Road entrance.)
  • WNC Agricultural Center: 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher NC (Overnight Shelter)

Medical Emergency Shelter: 

  • 10 Genevieve Cir, Asheville, NC 28801
    • This shelter is for individuals that are dependent on medical equipment requiring power.

If you come to a shelter, you are welcome to bring:

  • Special items for children, like food/formula, diapers, extra clothing, toys, etc.
  • Prescription medications and medical devices you may need.
  • Comfort items like pillows, blankets, towels, change of clothing or other items you may want to have with you at the shelter. 

Water

We are actively working to get a shipment of water to Montreat. We expect it later today and will update the website with times, availability and a distribution center. Today, Sunday 9/29, from 2-5PM the Pisgah Brewing team will be filling up water containers and selling packaged beer to go at the brewery on US-70. Our crew is working around the clock to bring our water system back online. 

Emergencies

Dial 911 or go to Mission Hospital in Asheville. 

The County Register of Deeds office is mobilizing a Family Assistance Center to assist locating residents that may be unaccounted for. Please call 828-820-2761, listen to prompts & leave a voicemail. You can also view info on buncombeready.gov

ATTENTION: Tomorrow (Sunday 9/29) from 2-5PM the Pisgah Brewing team will be filling up water containers and selling packaged beer to go at the brewery on US-70.

2948 US-70 Black Mountain, NC 28711

Hello Montreat,

I hope y’all are safe! We apologize for the lack of communication. Cell phone service, Internet, and power are all down. 

Our public works and police departments have been working around the clock since Thursday morning. Cleanup is underway and we will do our best to keep you updated. Please be safe! Do your best to stay home and please steer clear of heavy equipment for your safety and the safety of the workers. 

We’ll be in touch with you with more information soon. 

Savannah Parrish

Town Manager 

At 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners declared a Local State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Helene’s anticipated impacts. The Local State of Emergency applies within the municipal limits of the City of Asheville, the Town of Weaverville, the Town of Woodfin, the Town of Black Mountain, the Town of Montreat, and the Town of Biltmore Forest. With the declaration, Buncombe County Emergency Management personnel will implement plans for the prevention of, preparation for, response to, and recovery from any and all emergency situations that may result from the impacts of the storm. 

The implementation of such emergency management plans will allow sufficient personnel to be mobilized and positioned in order to: 

·        Reduce vulnerability of people and property of Buncombe County to damage, injury, and loss of life and property; 

·        Prepare for prompt and efficient rescue, care, and treatment of threatened or affected persons; 

·        Coordinate with state and federal agencies for the orderly rehabilitation of persons and restoration of property; and 

·        Provide for cooperation and coordination of activities relating to emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery among agencies and officials of Buncombe County and with similar agencies and officials of other counties, with state and federal governments, with interstate organizations, and with other private and quasi-official organizations. 

The emergency management plan will remain in effect until the declaration expires at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29 or is rescinded.  

Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle late Thursday and move northward, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the area Thursday night into Friday. Prior to Helene’s arrival, widespread rain and thunderstorms are expected, with 2-3 inches of rain possible by Wednesday night, leading to a heightened risk of flash flooding. Additional heavy rain from Helene may bring total rainfall amounts exceeding 10 inches in some areas.  

Based on information from the National Weather Service, we expect heavy rainfall, high winds, flooding, landslides, and power outages. It is anticipated that rivers including the French Broad and Swannanoa will flood.

·        Stay Informed: Monitor local news, weather channels, and your municipal and county website.

·        Prepare for Flooding and Landslides: If you live in low-lying or mountainous areas, prepare to evacuate with loved ones and pets at short notice. Have an emergency kit ready for you and your animals, including food, water, and essential medications. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you. 

·        Secure Outdoor Objects: High winds can send debris flying. Secure items such as outdoor furniture, garbage cans, and other loose items that may become hazardous. 

·        Avoid Travel: Stay off the roads if possible, especially during the height of the storm, to avoid floodwaters and debris. 

Montreat Town Hall to Close Early Thursday

Montreat Town Hall will be closing at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2024. On Friday, September 27, 2024, all non-essential personnel will be working remotely. Town Hall will be closed to the public, but staff will be available by phone and email. Montreat Police Department, Black Mountain Fire Department, and Montreat Public Works will be fully staffed and monitoring conditions continuously.