PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (GA NC SC) Hurricane Helene

Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:29:08 EDT

Summary: Hurricane Helene delivered heavy rain, wind and widespread power outages throughout large areas of the 3-state area of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina resulting in record flooding in Asheville, low lying parts of Urban Atlanta, and threat of Lake Lure Dam in NC

1. Hurricane Helene brought 5-15 inches rain and destructive winds to portions of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina
2. Helene was a uniquely impactful storm in terms of inland flooding in NE Georgia and western NC.
3. The storm saturated the region. Several stream gages exceeded the peak of record in North Georgia and western parts of the Carolinas. Information is still coming in. Many stations were inundated in the Asheville and Norcross field areas. Water levels continue to rise in some locations.
4. Over 10 ten gages in Asheville have been damaged or inundated, with news of more still coming in. Minor gage repairs are being addressed in other impacted areas.
5. The Norcross, Urban Atlanta and Charlotte units deployed numerous crews on Friday to repair gages or make measurements. Columbia, Tifton, Savannah and Asheville offices remain closed due to power outages in the area. Norcross, Columbia, and Charlotte offices expect weekend work to make local repairs and measurements. SAWSC field offices are coordinating to identify needs and available resources. Due to the high level of impact, there is a standdown on sending any outside crews to Asheville until the situation is more closely assessed.
6. The USGS coordinated with the NWS, USACE offices and other major cooperators prior to the storm.