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Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC
444 PM EDT Wed Sep 25 2024

...INCREASED THREAT OF LANDSLIDES AND DEBRIS FLOWS ACROSS THE
MOUNTAINS AND FOOTHILLS FROM LATE THIS EVENING INTO FRIDAY...

A band of rain has already developed across the mountains, well in
advance of the rain associated with Helene, and the rain band is
expected to continue to develop across the western Carolinas and
northeast Georgia tonight. Periods of heavy rain will occur
tonight and through the day Thursday, followed by additional
rounds of heavy rain associated with Helene Thursday night and
Friday morning. The heavy rain is expected to result in
significant flooding along creeks and streams. This has the
potential to be an extremely rare event with significant and
damaging flash-flooding along numerous streams.

The excessive rain that falls through Thursday before Helene
arrives will gradually raise the threat for landslides across the
mountains and foothills. Enough rain is expected along and near
the Blue Ridge Escarpment and upper French Broad Valley to result
in a few landslides before Helene arrives. Once the rain from
Helene moves in late Thursday, the threat for landslides and
debris flows will increase sharply, and the threat will continue
through Friday morning. Rainfall amounts of ten to fifteen inches
are possible near the Blue Ridge Escarpment, before the rain
moves out. Locally higher amounts are possible. Rainfall of ten
inches or more in similar storms has been associated with a
greatly increased risk of landslides and debris flows.

Landslides, including fast-moving debris flows consisting of
water, mud, falling rocks, trees, and other large debris,
are most likely within small valleys that drain steep slopes.
Landslides are powerful and potentially deadly, capable of
washing out roads, bridges, and homes. People living in areas
prone to landslides should be aware of the danger and be prepared
to act.

Here are recommended actions to consider both ahead of the storm
and when the heavy rain begins.

Before the Storm:

1. If you live on a mountainside or in a cove at the base of a
mountain, especially near a stream, be ready to leave in advance
of the storm or as quickly as possible should rising water,
moving earth, or rocks threaten. Identify a sturdy shelter on
higher ground such as a well-built home, church or school.

2. Stay alert. Monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local media for
possible flash flood warnings.

During the Storm:

1. Avoid driving near steep slopes or crossing stream
valleys, particularly at night. Never try to drive across a
flooded road. Potential hazards to drivers include washed-out
roads, bridges, and falling or flowing large debris. Turn
Around, Don`t Drown!

2. Immediately move away from steep slopes and small streams in
steep valleys. Seek refuge on higher ground away from streams,
preferably in a sturdy shelter.

3. Stay alert. Many landslide fatalities occur when people are
sleeping. Be aware that short intense bursts of rainfall are most
likely to cause landslides.

4. Keep tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or local media for the latest
warnings and statements regarding this potentially dangerous
weather event.

More information on safety and preparedness for potential
landslides can be found at:landslides.usgs.gov/learn/prepare.php

For general flood safety and preparation advice, please visit:
www.ready.gov/floods

Additional weather information and updates on this potentially
dangerous weather situation can be found at:
www.weather.gov/gsp

$$

PM