Several areas across Swain County saw flash flooding and landslides on Thursday, Feb. 6 due to about 3-4 inches of rain that began on Wednesday and has continued with thunderstorms overnight and into the following day.
Initially, Swain County Schools set a two-hour delay, but by 7:30 a.m. announced Swain County Schools would be closed for the day because of landslides, rising rivers and streams and power outages, making an annual leave day for faculty and staff.
The National Weather Service set Swain County under a flash flood warning from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and issued river flood warnings for the Tuckasegee River and Oconaluftee River.
The flash flood warning for Swain and Graham counties warned residents flash flooding is ongoing with reports of landslides blocking roadways in Swain County.
There were at least two additional slides in the Nantahala Gorge Thursday along US 74/19 within a half-mile of where the others were. North Carolina Department of Transportation had at least one lane open by Thursday afternoon.
On Friday morning, one NC DOT worker was injured after being struck by a tree from the slide. He was transported to Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville due to the traumatic injury.
One home on Greasy Branch and one on Kirklands Creek experienced flash flooding. Residents at both locations were able to leave safely, according to Swain County Emergency Management.
All the residents of Bear Hunters Campground had moved their campgrounds.
The Tuckaseegree River flooded Thursday, reaching about 13 feet— three feet above minor flood stage.
“We’ve got barricades on Island Street, and the water is up to Ramseur Street,” reported David Breedlove, Emergency Management Director on Thursday afternoon.
River Road was closed early on. In addition to Bear Hunters, Country Girl and Grumpy Bear along the river evacuated. Darnell Farms also saw flooding and some damage during the storm.
Bridges across the Tuckasegee in Bryson City remained passable. Breedlove estimated the water was four-six feet below a level that would cause DOT to close them to traffic.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials also closed its visitors centers and several roads due to high water on Thursday.
On Friday, representatives with the American Red Cross visited Bryson City and met with residents who were in need of assistance. One couple whose residence in a riverside campground was flooded received county assistance to stay in a hotel Thursday and met with American Red Cross Friday for additional assistance.
We were ready to open a shelter, covered arrangement for one couple who needed it
Another resident also met with them. Her house on Conley’s Creek was a total loss after a structure fire that occurred around 2 a.m. on Friday morning.
Waters began receding about 6 p.m. Thursday night and back below flood stage but remained relatively high as the area saw more rain on Monday and Tuesday.
On Saturday, the area saw relief from the rain. As temperatures dropped below freezing, the area received 1-2 inches of snow.
Swain County Schools remained closed Friday and were on a two-hour delay on Monday morning.