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Tropical Cyclone Statement issued September 27 at 3:00PM EDT by NWS Greenville-Spartanburg SC HLSGSP 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.