Flooding Prompts Emergency Shelter To Open In Mecklenburg County

HUNTERSVILLE, NC — An emergency shelter was set up in Mecklenburg County Sunday evening after days of rain in western North Carolina led to flooding of the Catawba River Basin, prompting the call for evacuations.

“Potential for major flooding exists in the Riverside Drive area along the Catawba River,” Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management said late Sunday. “CMEMO is recommending residents in that area evacuate.”

The shelter, set up by the American Red Cross, was set up for displaced residents at Hopewell High School, which is located at 11530 Beatties Ford Road in Huntersville. The shelter opened at 8 p.m.

The threat of flash flooding remained in effect for much of the state Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service, which issued a flood watch for much of the piedmont of North Carolina, including Mecklenburg County.

“With light showers ongoing across the area this morning, scattered showers and thunderstorms will develop throughout the day ahead of an approaching cold front, which will push through the area tonight,” NWS said. “Rainfall rates on the order of 1 to 2 inches per hour will be possible in any heavy downpour. Given wet soils and elevated stream flows from rainfall over the past few days, heavy downpours could lead to additional flooding and flash flooding. In addition, runoff from the past few days of heavy rainfall will allow for continued flooding along the Catawba River in the North Carolina foothills and Piedmont through at least tonight. Isolated landslides will also be possible along the steeper slopes.”

Here are more tips from emergency officials:

• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management recommends signing up for CharMeck Alerts at www.charmeckalerts.org to receive emergency notifications.
• Residents should stay away from the affected area.
• Do not go into the river or floodwaters - no canoes or boats, etc.
• Pay attention barricades placed in the roadway by law enforcement.
• Do not attempt to drive through floodwaters - “Turn around, don’t drown.”
• For your safety, if you have another location to evacuate to please do so, or use the shelter.
• Make sure you have your ID for proof of residency to get back to your home.
• Do not enter, come in contact with, or drink the floodwaters. Clean everything that comes in contact with floodwater.
• If you have any questions or concerns regarding health safety, call the Mecklenburg County Health Department, 704-336-6500.
• If you are using any open flame for heat, lighting, or cooking, keep it at least three feet away from any combustible materials and do not use any charcoal grills inside as it will result in dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
• If you self-evacuate to another location, be prepared to tell the CMPD officers at the checkpoints that you are leaving, your address, and the number of people in your household.
• Power may be disconnected to protect customers, their homes and equipment.
• Residential meters may be removed by Duke Energy to prevent damage to the meter, thereby it will allow for quicker reentry to residences.
• Power restoration will continue at a pace determined by accessibility and safety.
• Remember to operate generators safely.
• For questions relating to power, call 1-800-POWERON.

  Several inches of rain across the western North Carolina region is causing a dangerous flooding situation in the Catawba River Basin. Potential for major flooding exists in the Riverside Dr area along the Catawba River. CMEMO is recommending residents in that area evacuate.
  — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Emergency Management (@CharMeckEM) June 10, 2019

  Mecklenburg and Gaston Counties are under a flood warning due to rising levels at the Catawba River. This is causing Mt. Island Lake levels to rise—-now above 106 ft. Water is spilling over in roadways. Voluntary evacuations are now underway. @wcnc pic.twitter.com/mFqpRddjjj
  — Billie Jean Shaw (@BillieJeanTV) June 10, 2019