Country Girls RV park had significant flooding on Friday morning during Tropical Storm Helene.
The Tuckasegee River flooded a section of Everett Street on Friday afternoon.
Jessica Webb
editor@thesmokymountaintimes.com
Swain County was spared the catastrophic damage that communities east of the county experienced from rising floodwaters during Tropical Storm Helene late last week.
Approximately 37-38 households have been displaced due to flood damage that occurred during the storm on Friday.
Swain County Emergency Management Director Misty Tabor said before the storm, her agency notified Bear Hunter’s Campground, Grump Bear’s and Country Girl’s about the impending rising water.
Although initial estimates were that Tuckasegee River in Bryson City would reach 10 feet, at the peak of the storm, waters rose closer to 14.9 feet Friday afternoon.
Downtown Bryson City experienced flooding down Everett Street on the north side of the bridge as the Tuckasegee River rose beyond the flood stage on Friday afternoon.
“For the most part, other than some flooding, we have escaped damage,” said Bryson City Mayor Tom Sutton of town.
Households impacted by flooding were provided assistance through county emergency management and American Red Cross. Ela Campground was also impacted.
Like much of western North Carolina, cell service has been extremely limited as has internet service across Swain County. Service was restored across the county by Monday night.
Many businesses are back open in the county, although most are still cash only, including Ingles grocery store. Fuel delivery has been impacted by the storm and road closures. Monday morning, drivers were lining up at the fuel pumps to fill up. Banks were open Monday but with limited services.
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad started its trips to the Nantahala Gorge again today (Monday).
North Carolina Department of Transportation is still discouraging travel through the region.