Family rescues driver from flooded SUV in Transylvania County
- Transylvania County experienced severe flooding on September 26 due to Tropical Storm Helene, with many roadways submerged.
- Emergency management teams were deployed, and a family rescued a driver stranded in an SUV that ignored highwater barriers.
- Authorities stressed the importance of obeying road safety signs and limited travel to essential trips only during the flooding.
On September 26, Transylvania County experienced significant flooding due to Tropical Storm Helene, which was expected to bring up to 20 inches of rain. As a result, numerous roadways were covered with floodwater, prompting the installation of highwater road barriers in several locations, including Davidson River Road and Hannah Ford Road. Emergency management teams, including Urban Rescue Teams from Greensboro and Fayetteville, were deployed to assist in the crisis. Amidst the flooding, a family rescued a driver stranded in an SUV that had ignored highwater barriers. The driver was found inside the vehicle, and family members waded through knee-deep water to push the SUV back to safety. This incident highlighted the dangers of disregarding road safety signs during severe weather conditions. The flooding also caused power outages and the closure of non-emergency county offices, with authorities urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. The French Broad River's rising waters led to the closure of Hap Simpson Park, where picnic tables were submerged, indicating the severity of the flooding in the area. Law enforcement and emergency management officials emphasized the importance of obeying barricades and staying off the roads during such emergencies to ensure public safety.