Waters rise with heavier rain expected

Tropical Depression Fred brings hazardous weather conditions to the Swannanoa Valley

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
August 17, 2021

The water level in Flat Creek, along Charlotte Street in Black Mountain, increased throughout the day, Aug. 17, as Tropical Depression Fred brought hazardous weather to the area. Photo by Fred McCormick

Heavy rain fell on the Swannanoa Valley throughout the morning and afternoon of Aug. 17, as Tropical Depression Fred continued its northern route after making landfall as a tropical storm, Monday, in the Florida panhandle. 

As local waterways rise and road conditions deteriorate, the threat of hazardous weather is anticipated to increase later in the evening. 

The U.S. National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg issued multiple weather advisories for the region, including flash flood and tornado watches for Buncombe and dozens of surrounding counties, that will remain in effect through the morning of Aug. 18. 

While rain has been steady in the Swannanoa Valley throughout the day, the Black Mountain Fire Department is preparing for possible flooding and evacuations as conditions worsen, according to Chief Scottie Harris. 

“We’re projecting around 6 - 8 inches here, according to our last phone call with the NWS,” he said. “We’re hoping for less, but there does seem to be a bullseye sitting right over Black Mountain.”

The department is bringing in additional staff, including certified swift water rescue personnel, in anticipation of an increase in call volume. Buncombe County, according to Harris, has also activated its swift water rescue team. 

“There is also a team out of Wilmington waiting in Hickory that can be deployed to WNC, if needed,” he said. “Our department will have swift water personnel at both stations tonight.”

BMFD has continuously monitored areas that are prone to flooding, according to Harris, encouraging those residents to evacuate before the rain is expected to intensify, between 5 p.m. - 12 a.m. People who live near Flat Creek, in Portman Villa Mobile Home Park and near the Swannanoa River at Center Avenue should remain vigilant, he added. 

No injuries related to the tropical system have been reported to the BMFD as of 4 p.m., the chief said, but calls for fallen trees and downed power lines have come into the station. Many roads in the area are experiencing standing water or minor flooding, and motorists are urged to exercise caution.  

“The worst of this storm is coming later,” he said. “We will have another call with the NWS at 5 p.m., and we ask that people exercise caution and call 911 in the event of an emergency.”