Greenville, SC – Hurricane Helene, now a Category 2 storm, is bearing down on the Carolinas Thursday, threatening catastrophic flooding and winds reaching 70 mph. Residents should take immediate precautions, as up to 14 inches of rain is expected to fall by Friday morning, with even higher amounts in mountainous regions.
According to the National Weather Service, the heaviest rainfall will target the North Carolina and South Carolina mountains, with localized totals approaching 20 inches in some areas. The Blue Ridge Escarpment is particularly vulnerable, and flash flooding along major rivers and streams could lead to dangerous road conditions and widespread power outages.
Winds of 60 to 70 mph are also forecast, which may bring down trees and power lines, further complicating the storm’s impact. Residents are urged to stay off the roads and avoid flood-prone areas, especially near Asheville and Greenville. The storm is expected to persist through Friday, with officials warning that the worst is yet to come Thursday night.
