This page serves as the hub for official information from Watauga County emergency personnel and other municipalities in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
We will continuously update this list with new information as it becomes available. Be sure to follow us on FacebookandInstagramfor additional updates and announcements.
The SummitPickleball at 278 Industrial Drive, Boone NC 28607 is currently operating as donation intake facility. For information about facility hours and needs, visit this page. We are currentlyaccepting monetary donations through the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation to help with community and business relief.
Donate to the BACC Foundation for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
Official Watauga County Resource Information
Other Relevant Boone Chamber Links:
Emergency Service Provider List
The Summit Pickleball Donation Intake Facility
Community Partners:
Town of Boone
Appalachian State University
Watauga County Emergency Services (Includes lists of road closures & other important emergency info.)
UNC Health Appalachian (Provider openings & closings listed on their website.)
Additional Resource Links:
Hurricane Helene Disaster and Assistance Resources fromVirgina Foxx
Town of Boone| Posted Saturday, October 5 at 12:30PM
Disaster Assistance representatives are available to help answer questions regarding what you need to do to receive funding for disaster recovery. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. for locations out in Watauga County.
The SBA will be available at 130 Poplar Grove Connector to assist homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and business owners in the area. Appointments are needed at this location, and can be scheduled at the following link: sba.gov/disaster
Disaster Survivor Assistance Representatives are making their way out into Watauga County. Know your social security number and banking information including routing and account number or bring a voided check. No appointments are necessary for these locations. If you need assistance uploading documents, staff will be available to help.
Locations for today, October 5th, will include:
Stewart Simmons Fire Department
191 Jakes Mountain Rd
Deep Gap, NC 28618
Meat Camp Fire Department
4797 NC Hwy 194 N
Boone, NC 28607
Bethel Baptist Church
125 Mountaindale Rd
Vilas, NC 28692
Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Saturday, October 5 at 11AM
These Community Care Centers are open 7am-7pm daily with ADA showers, toilets, water, and food.
Western Watauga Community Center
1081 Old US Hwy 421
Watauga High School
300 Go Pioneers Dr
Boone, NC 28607
.
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
1564 Silverstone Rd
Vilas, NC 28692
.
Bethel Baptist Church
125 Mountaindale Rd
Vilas, NC 28692
.
Stewart Simmons Fire Department
191 Jakes Mountain Rd
Deep Gap, NC 28618
Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Friday, October 4 at 5:20PM
IMPORTANT message about donating responsibly to the high country.
DONATIONS: WEEKEND PAUSE ON UNSCHEDULED DELIVERIES:
We thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support for Watauga County and neighboring communities. We are fortunate to have had an abundance of supplies donated to multiple partners across our county. With that said, we request that you please PAUSE any unscheduled deliveries to Watauga County sites throughout this weekend, Oct. 5 and 6, to give our partners time to work through our donation stock, reassess current needs and update our distribution plans. Your efforts have been critical to helping us meet immediate needs — please know that our community will continue to need your support in the weeks and months to come. One of the best ways for you to help support our communities now and in the future is by donating to relief funds.
If you wish to make a monetary donation, please consider the following donation sites:
- Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation: boonechamber.com/foundation
- App State Disaster Relief Fund: appstate.edu
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: nc.gov/donate
Community Support Site Now Open atBethel Baptist Church | Shared Friday, October 4
Includes shower facilities, ADA accessible shower, bathrooms, food and water. Open 7AM - 7PM daily.
123 Mountain Dale Rd. Vilas, NC 28692
Location and church information here.
UNC Health Appalachian | Shared on Friday, October 4 at 10:40AM
Watauga Medical Center, Cannon Memorial Hospital, and Appalachian Regional Behavioral Health Hospital are fully operational and open 24/7.
Surgeries have resumed at Watauga Medical Center and will resume at Cannon Memorial Hospital on Monday.
Urgent Care Services
Watauga County261 Longvue Drive in Boone (across from Watauga Medical Center) from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday – Friday. If urgent care is needed in the Watauga area, staff will be available this weekend.
Avery CountyBaker Primary Care Center 436 Hospital Drive, Suite 230, Linville, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
For the latest information, please visithttps://apprhs.org/
Town of Boone | Posted Friday, October 4 at 9AM
Every day, Town of Boone operations may change. As such, please see below information and guidance so that you may stay informed as a resident and community member:
Town of Boone Non-Emergency Call Center's Updated Hours: The Town of Boone's Administration Department has been working as the non-emergency call center for the Boone Community to help reduce the amount of non-emergency calls to the 911 operations center. Beginning today, the Town of Boone's Non-Emergency Call Center will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. These hours are subject to change, depending on what needs may arise. To contact the Town of Boone's Non-Emergency Call Center, don't hesitate to contact Town Hall at (828) 268-6200.
Town of Boone Planning and Inspections Update and Guidance Regarding Parking Lot Washing: The Planning and Inspections Department is open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed for approximately one hour for lunch around noon). Our teams are currently assisting with building and other storm-related damage assessments to keep our residents safe. We are currently only processing storm-related and emergency permit requests so that homeowners and businesses can start the recovery process. We anticipate that this schedule and operation model will continue into next week. We will provide a notification when this changes.
Parking Lot Washing: While we understand that the buildup of debris and mud in parking lots is an issue for property owners, please try to refrain from power washing parking lots when possible. If a lot must be washed, proper measures must be put in place to prevent debris and mud from reaching any storm drains, creeks, or ditches on the property, as this could lead to further flooding issues in the future.
Police Department Update: Here in Boone, you may notice officers working from a jurisdiction outside of our typical police departments. Please note that these officers are here to assist our community and, as such, have authority in this jurisdiction for the time being.
We thank you for your patience while recovering from Hurricane Helene!
Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Thursday, October 3 at 6PM
List of full and partial road closures fromWatauga County Emergency Services can be found by clicking here.
Follow Watauga County Emergency Services' Facebook page for updates.
Town of Boone | Posted Thursday, October 3 at 4:25PM
Watauga County, the Town of Boone, Appalachian State University, and partners are collaborating to keep our community informed about Hurricane Helene's impacts and the resources available for relief. Continue to check this post for updates.
FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 911.
NON-EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:
- 828-268-6200 Boone Town Hall: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., hours subject to change.
- 828-263-4178 Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Non-Emergency Call Center (for non-urgent inquiries and reports related to storm impacts): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., leave a message after hours.
- 828-262-2000 Appalachian State University’s Main Line: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
CURFEW:
Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, and until further notice, the curfew in place for Watauga County, Town of Blowing Rock and Town of Boone is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., due to severely compromised roads and ongoing emergency operations in Watauga County.
RESOURCES
(Food, Water, Volunteer & Donation Options, Health Care, Children’s Resources, Debris Cleanup, etc.):
- Boone and Watauga County Resources and Services: townofboone.net/hurricanehelenerecovery
- Watauga County Resource Information - Boone Area Chamber of Commerce: http://boonechamber.com/.../official-watauga-county...
- App State Disaster Relief Resources: appstate.edu
- UNC Health Appalachian Community and Employee Resources: apprhs.org
SHELTER:
- Red Cross Emergency Shelter for students and community members, Holmes Convocation Center, 111 Rivers St. Call about pet restrictions.
- Anyone in need of shelter should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).
FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS:
IMPORTANT: DOCUMENT YOUR DAMAGES NOW! Photograph damage and items you have to throw away. Homeowners and renters in Watauga County can apply for assistance through FEMA. Use disasterassistance.gov, download the FEMA app, or call 1 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily for assistance. More information can be found at http://governor.nc.gov/.../how-apply-fema-assistance...
We have FEMA assistance on the ground in Watauga County. Jake Kwiatkowski is our liaison officer. You can reach out to the call center with questions. 828-263-4178
UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF: Disaster Unemployment Assistance can be applied for here: https://www.des.nc.gov/dua
SHOWERS
- The Care Collective, 584 State Farm Rd Suite 104, Boone: Call 828-406-4344 to schedule, or walk-ins welcomed. Shampoo/Conditioner/Soap/Towel available. Handicapped-accessible shower available. Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Sunday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Walmart, Boone: 11 a.m to 4 p.m Daily, Shower Trailer, Bring Towels and Hygiene Supplies
- 180 Float Spa, 249 Kimberly Dr, Boone: Walk-in available Wednesday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; call 828-832-8180 if appointment is needed
- Fairfield Inn, 2060 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone: There is a room available for the public to take showers. Please ask at the front desk.
- Perkinsville Baptist Church, 274 Jefferson Rd, Boone: Available Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
The Town of Boone,Watauga County and App State have experienced a large volume of requests for volunteer information and an influx of volunteers traveling to the area. While we are extremely grateful, we ask all individuals NOT TO TRAVEL TO THE AREA FOR NOW unless you are part of a coordinated volunteer effort, such as the ones listed below. Consider donating to relief funds or to designated supply collection sites instead. Find info about needed supply lists and collection sites at the resource links above and at boonechamber.com.
VOLUNTEER:
- Samaritan’s Purse: spvolunteer.org
- Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps: https://forms.gle/AaKy78d2pL7V2sNk7
- Down Home NC: facebook.com/DownHomeNC and instagram.com/downhomenc/
- American Red Cross: volunteerconnection.redcross.org/
This list of resources is subject to change. Many organizations and individuals are also providing resources for our community, and we are unable to provide an exhaustive list of all these resources. We, as a community, want to thank everyone for their patience and their willingness to help their neighbors!
Follow Town of Boone on Facebook.
Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Thursday, October 3 at 3:20PM
Remember, this is not the time for tourism. If you are in the area to drop off supplies, please do not drive around to our hard hit areas. Our donation areas are in accessible areas that are safe to reach. Thank you!
Follow Watauga County Emergency Services Facebook page for updates.
Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Thursday, October 3 at 12PM
List of full and partial road closures fromWatauga County Emergency Services can be found by clicking here.
AppState-ALERT Emergency Messaging | Shared Wednesday, October 2
No classes until after 10/15.Cond. 3 (Closure) extended to 5pm 10/11
Classes are canceled on the App State Boone and Hickory campusesandAdverse Weather Condition 3(Closure) is in effectthrough 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11.
With Fall Break, classes will resume no earlier than Oct. 16.The modality and locations will be determined based on conditions and infrastructure, andan update will be shared by Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Road conditions vary and many roads in the area remain treacherous or impassible. Please limit travel and use extreme caution if you are traveling on foot or by vehicle.View Watauga County curfew information here.
UNC Health Appalachian | Shared Wednesday, October 2 at 2:47PM
Urgent Care Services are available at 261 Longvue Drive in Boone (across from Watauga Medical Center) from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday – Friday and in the Baker Center at 436 Hospital Drive, Suite 230, Linville, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
The following Appalachian Regional Medical offices will be open on Thursday, October 3, 2024:
AppInternal Medicine
AppPulmonology
AppRheumatology
AppFamily Medicine
AppGastro
AppOrtho
AppUrology
Baker Primary Care Center
Chestnut Ridge Medical
Heart & Vascular Centers—Ashe and Watauga
Rehabilitation Center Cannon
Rehabilitation Center Watauga
Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center
Tate Clinic
Watauga Surgical
Women’s Health
Wound Care at Watauga Medical Center
Elk River Medical (remains closed)
The following Outpatient Diagnostics will be open on Thursday, October 3, 2024:
- Imaging
- Lab
- Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- EEG
- Home Sleep Study (The Sleep Center remains closed)
This information may also be found athttps://apprhs.org/openings-and-closings-hurricane-helene/
Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Wednesday, October 2
Some roads are still in poor condition or need full repairs. Excessive travel is not advised unless for an emergency. Reducing traffic allows emergencyservices and repairs to be made effectively. This link will take you to the dashboard of reported road closures:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/bd822739d8294fefb5069513378ad6b5
Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Tuesday, October 1
Update to Watauga County Operations:The UPDATED curfew times forWatauga County beginning today, 10/1/2024, and until further notice will be from 11:00pm through 7:00am.
Effective today, 10/1/2024, the landfill convenience center will be open every day, Monday through Friday from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm. See the updated hours below.
421 W Zionville: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00am-7:00pm
Aho: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00am-7:00pm
Green Valley: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00am-7:00pm
Landfill: Monday through Friday 7:00am-7:00pm
At this time, residents should place segregated storm debris on an accessible NCDOT right-of-way. The county's contractor will pick up the waste from the right-of-way. Please be advised, household trash needs to be taken to one of the opened convenience centers listed above. See below for how to divide debris waste.
Town of Boone | Posted Tuesday, October 1 at 3:20 PM
Watauga County, the Town of Boone, Appalachian State University, and partners are collaborating to keep our community informed about Hurricane Helene's impacts and the resources available. Continue to check this post for updates. For emergencies, call 911.
NON-EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS:
- 828-268-6200 Boone Town Hall: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., hours subject to change.
- 828-263-4178 Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Non-Emergency Call Center (for non-urgent inquiries and reports related to storm impacts): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., leave a message after hours.
- 828-262-2000 Appalachian State University’s Main Line: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
RESOURCES:
- App State Disaster Relief Resources: https://www.appstate.edu/
- Official Watauga County Resource Information - Boone Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.boonechamber.com/.../official-watauga-county...
SHELTER:
- Red Cross Emergency Shelter for students and community members, Holmes Convocation Center, 111 Rivers St. Food, water and dry beds available now.
- Anyone in need of shelter should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).
FOOD:
Hot meal sites, serving at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m daily until further notice.
-Foscoe Christian Church: 8834 NC Highway 105 South, Boone
-Mountaineer Ruritan Club: 1161 US-321, Sugar Grove
-Meat Camp Baptist Church: 236 Meat Camp Baptist Church Rd., Boone
-Pleasant Grove Baptist Church: 1564 Silverstone Rd., Zionville
Drive-thru meal sites
-Baptists on Mission at First Baptist Church, 375 West King St., Boone (located behind the church, between the College Street Parking Deck and the Church) - Pick-up available at noon and 5 p.m.
-Cornerstone Summit Church, 1100 E. King St., Boone - Pick-up available daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
-Skate World, US-321, Vilas (Wine to Water/Que Pasa Appalachia) - Pick-up available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-Wine to Water Warehouse, 689 George Wilson Rd., Boone (Wine to Water/Que Pasa Appalachia) - Pick-up available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-Linville Post Office, 4235 Mitchell Avenue, Linville (Wine to Water/Que Pasa Appalachia) - Pick-up available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WATER:
- The Town of Boone has officially lifted its Boil Water Advisory as of 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30.
- A water distribution center has been set up at Watauga High School. It will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Water will be distributed at the Skate World, Wine to Water Warehouse, and the Linville Post Office daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CHILDCARE, K-6 ONLY:
Hardin Park, 9 a.m. - 4 pm. Breakfast, lunch and snack provided, non perishable food sent home if able. Registration at drop off, transportation not available.
PET BOARDING FOR EVACUEES:
- Pet Care Clinic of the High Country, located at 1614 NC-105, Boone, has received temporary authorization from the USDA to provide this service for both dogs and cats. Questions? Contact Kelly Allen at 336-977-1895.
INSULIN: (limited quantities)
- The Hunger and Health Coalition has a limited supply of insulin for those in need. Please, if you can, bring a box/vial/anything with directions so HHC can appropriately dispense your insulin. Located beside the Hospitality House on Brook Hollow Road (141 Health Center Drive, Suite C). The HCC also operates as a food pantry, and is offering non-perishable goods, additional medicines, and hygiene supplies.
- Call 828-264-5212 if you need assistance. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
FEMA ASSISTANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS:
IMPORTANT: Document your damages now! Photograph the damages and items you have to throw away. Homeowners and renters in Watauga County can apply for assistance through FEMA. Individuals may utilize www.disasterassistance.gov, download the FEMA App, or call 1 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily for assistance. More information can be found at https://governor.nc.gov/.../how-apply-fema-assistance...
CURFEW: Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, and until further notice, the curfew in place for Watauga County, Town of Blowing Rock and Town of Boone is from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., due to severely compromised roads and ongoing emergency operations in Watauga County.
CLEANUP ASSISTANCE:
- Baptists on Mission: Tarping and muck out assistance. Call 828-406-1146
- Samaritan’s Purse: Tarping, tree removal, muck out assistance. Call 833-747-1234
DEBRIS PICKUP/TRASH:
- All debris pickup in the Town of Boone and Watauga County can be placed curbside or on an accessible NCDOT right-of-way. Separate debris into vegetative, construction, hazardous, large appliances, and electronics materials. If there is a ditch curbside, DO NOT place debris inside the ditch. Please place debris as close as you can to the curbside. Instructions: https://www.wataugademocrat.com/.../article_e0b51814-7e64...
- Residential Trash Pick-Up for Town of Boone residents will begin Oct. 2. Those normally scheduled for Monday trash pick-ups will receive services on Wednesday. Those normally scheduled for Tuesday trash pick-ups may receive service on Wednesday or Thursday. No recycling pick-ups will be taking place.
- The Watauga County Landfill is closed the week of Sept. 30. Certain convenience stations are open across the county Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Visit wataugacounty.org for more information.
ROAD CONDITIONS:
- Please avoid unnecessary travel. Watauga County road closures are documented here: https://www.arcgis.com/.../bd822739d8294fefb5069513378ad6b5
INTERNET ACCESS:
Wi-Fi access points (asu-visitor) are available on App State’s Boone campus:
- College Street Parking Deck (Library): 162 College Street, Boone — top level
- Blue Ridge Parking Deck (Stadium): 185 Stadium Heights Drive, Boone — entire deck
- Central Dining Hall: 480 Rivers Street, Boone
- Plemmons Student Union: 263 Locust Street, Boone
Computers available for FEMA applications at Watauga High School. WiFi available at Green Valley, Hardin Park, and Watauga High School.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
- Samaritan’s Purse: Tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping and mud outs. Sign up at spvolunteer.org.
- Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps: Coordinating volunteers with state and national emergency response teams. Sign up at https://forms.gle/AaKy78d2pL7V2sNk7
- Down Home NC is accepting volunteers daily to conduct door-to-door community outreach in various counties across Western NC. Visit Down Home NC’s Facebook and Instagram pages for volunteer opportunities: https://www.facebook.com/DownHomeNC and https://www.instagram.com/downhomenc/
- American Red Cross, Shelter Volunteers needed: https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/
DONATE MONEY:
- App State Disaster Relief Recovery Fund (support impacted students, faculty and staff): appstate.edu
- Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (small business and community assistance) - boonechamber.com/foundation
- North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund: nc.gov/donate
DONATE SUPPLIES:
- The most pressing need is cleaning supply kits (5 gallon buckets, mops, cleaning supplies, paper towels).
- Drop off donations at the Summit Pickleball facility: 278 Industrial Park Drive, Boone
- Contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at info@boonechamber.com for more information about after-hours drop-off options.
This list of resources is subject to change. Many organizations and individuals are also providing resources for our community, and we are unable to provide an exhaustive list of all these resources. We, as a community, want to thank everyone for their patience and their willingness to help their neighbors!
FEMA RESOURCES | Posted Tuesday, October 1 at 10:27 AM
FEMA Resources for Businesses
FEMA and SBA resources will become more targeted in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, for individual and business purposes,DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.Pictures, videos, descriptions, receipts, and deviations from operating procedures will be helpful in the eventual reimbursement process.
FEMA Assistance for Homeowners & Rentals
IMPORTANT: Document your damages now! Photograph your damages and items you have to throw away. Homeowners and renters in Watauga County can apply for assistance through FEMA. Individuals may utilize:www.disasterassistance.gov, download the FEMA App, or call 1 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily for assistance. More information can be found at:here.
Town of Boone | Posted Monday, Sept 30 at 2:55 PM
BOIL WATER ADVISORY HAS BEEN LIFTED, SOME AREAS WILLSTILL EXPERIENCE LITTLE TO NO WATER
A Boil Water Notice was issued on Friday September, 27th due to multiple water main breaks.Many areas of Boone have experienced low or no water pressure over the past 72-hours. Booneis working diligently to make necessary repairs and fully restore water service to our customershowever, please note that service may be interrupted periodically as we continue this work.
Hunting Hills Lane, Whitener Drive, Eagle Drive, Horn in the West Drive, and Assembly Drive areas remain partially or fully without water and/or sanitary sewer services. Hunting Hills Laneand Whitner Drive Areas will not be restored for an extended period due to complete roadwaywashout which includes water and sewer lines however, the Town is developing plans totemporarily restore services as quickly as possible to each of these areas until permanent repairscan be made.
This event has been unprecedented in the Boone’s modern history. The combination of rapidflooding and high winds from Hurricane Helene created washouts and ground shifting thatproduced roadway failure, sinkholes, mudslides, and down trees all of which contributed tonumerous water main breaks in the aforementioned areas of town as well as our emergencyinterconnection with the Town of Blowing Rock. Our water treatment plant is fully operationaland water system storage capacity is restored however, the full extent of damage is still beingassessed and evaluated and will continue. Please aid us by conserving water when possible,reporting service outages, damage or water leaks.
Town Staff have taken multiple water samples from many locations throughout our water systemfor testing all of which have returned absent or negative for contamination.
As of today September, 30th, 2024 at 2:30 PM, the boil water advisory has been lifted. It is safe to use water for human consumption directly from our system.Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this difficult period and we respectfullyrequest that continue as we work to make repairs.
Watauga County Emergency Services | Posted Monday, Sept 30 at 12:00 PM
Plain text list of current road closures for at least parts of the roads listed. This is long. Please do not be out unnecessarily. Check on your neighbors. Current 12pm 9/30.
UNC Health Appalachian | Shared Monday, Sept 30 at 9:55AM
All Appalachian Regional Medical offices, the Wilma Redmond Breast Center, Wound Care, and Outpatient Rehabilitation will be closed on Monday, September 30 and Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Immediate Care Services will be available in the Heart & Vascular Center at Watauga Medical Center in Boone from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and the Baker Center in Linville from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
The Cancer Center will be open on Tuesday, October 1 for infusions and medical oncology.
Audrey T. Gurkin| Director of Marketing, UNC Health Appalachian
Town of Boone Police Department | Posted Sunday, Sept 29 at 7:00 PM
Hello Community!
The outpouring of support from everyone has been amazing. Many of you have been looking for opportunities to serve.
Below is a list of important information that will be very helpful:
Watauga County, the Town of Boone, Appalachian State University and partners are collaborating to keep our community informed about Hurricane Helene's impacts and the resources available. Continue to check this post for updates.
To keep our 911 call center open for emergency calls, please use the following numbers for non-emergencies:
- (828) 268-6200 Boone Town Hall: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with hours subject to change.
- (828) 263-4178 Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps Non-Emergency Call Center (for non-urgent inquiries and reports related to storm impacts): 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and if the line is busy or it’s after hours, leave a message.
- (828) 262-2000 Appalachian State University’s Main Line: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Shelter options:
-In coordination with the Red Cross, an Emergency Shelter for students and community members is located at the Holmes Convocation Center, located at 111 Rivers Street. This shelter has food, water and dry beds available now.
-Off-campus students, faculty and staff in need of shelter should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).
Water:
-The Town of Boone is currently under a Boil Water Advisory. All Town of Boone water customers are asked to boil water for 1 minute.
-Please continue to check this page for information about water distribution in the town and county.
Road conditions:
-Watauga County Emergency Services have created an updated map that documents road closures in the county. Please avoid unnecessary travel. To access the map, please view the following link: https://www.arcgis.com/.../bd822739d8294fefb5069513378ad6b5
Volunteer opportunities:
-Samaritan’s Purse is coordinating day and night volunteer opportunities for tree work, debris cleanup, roof tarping and mud outs. Sign up at spvolunteer.org.
-Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps is coordinating volunteers with state and national emergency response teams. Sign up by filling out this interest form: https://forms.gle/AaKy78d2pL7V2sNk7
Emergency supplies:
-The Boone Area of Chamber Commerce is coordinating donations of certain items. The most pressing need is cleaning supply kits (5 gallon buckets, mops, cleaning supplies, paper towels). -The Summit Pickleball facility at 278 Industrial Park Drive is available for drop-off of supplies until 6 p.m. Sunday and starting again at 8 a.m. Monday.
-Please contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at info@boonechamber.com or (828) 264-2225 for more information about after-hours drop-off options.
This list of resources is subject to change. We, as a community, want to thank everyone for their patience and their willingness to help their neighbors and friends.
Watauga County Emergency Services Facebook Update Post | Received Sunday, Sept 29 at 5:22 PM
Watauga County, the Town of Boone, Appalachian State University and partners are collaborating to keep our community informed about Hurricane Helene's impacts and the resources available. Continue to check this post for updates.
Watauga County Schools Statement | Received Sunday Sept 29, at 4:45 PM
Greetings WCS Families--
We wanted to let you know that the District Leadership Team continues to think through next steps and ways to help the community. We are currently working on potential feeding sites, child care options and other ways to support out schools and greater community. Some of our efforts are dependant upon Emergency Management Services and staff availability. We will provide another update in the near future with additional information.
Thank you and please be safe,
WCS Leadership Team
North Carolina Receives Federal Major Disaster Declaration for North Carolina | Received Sunday Sept 29, 2024 at 4:39 PM
President Biden has granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Tropical Storm Helene providing immediate federal help for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Keep Reading.
Blue Ridge Energy Battling Catastrophic Damage to Restore Power: 24/7 Effort Lasting into Next Week | Received Sunday Sept 29, 2024 at 2:25PM
Lenoir, North Carolina (Noon –September 29, 2024) – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has decimated much of western North Carolina and line crews working to repair and replace much of Blue Ridge Energy’s 8,000 miles of power line across seven counties is ongoing to restore power to over 44,000 members are without power as of noon Sunday.
The cooperative serving Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Caldwell counties as well as parts of Wilkes, Avery and Alexander counties has all if its line technicians and crews from sister cooperatives, tree and construction workers in the field, totaling 150 line workers. Blue Ridge Energy is awaiting arrival of crews from other states to double that number today in the hopes of expediting efforts to cut their way through downed trees, cut new roads where possible to reach damaged system locations and repair or replace power lines and poles that have been destroyed or severely damaged.
“Crews are actively sawing their way in to reach areas of the electric system that must be repaired, or the lines or broken power poles replaced in order to get power flowing,” said Renee Walker, director of public relations. “Many locations are inaccessible: paved roads are collapsed, mudslides continue to occur, and flooding remains an issue,” she added.
“Hurricane Helene is one of the worst events that I've seen in my career—worse than Hurricane Hugo in 1989,” said Doug Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Ridge Energy. “We're working as hard as we can around the clock to restore electricity to everyone, and we won't stop until every meter is turned back on,” Johnson said.
Blue Ridge Energy advises members that power restoration will be a multi-day effort, lasting into next week, due to extensive damage from the storm that the entire western part of the state is battling. Damage assessment continues by helicopter and drones—the only way to view some inaccessible areas.
At the height of outages on Friday, 63,000 Blue Ridge Energy members were without power. Line crews have made progress although the extent of damage continued to increase over the weekend as flooding and mudslides continued and trees continued falling due to oversaturated ground.
Blue Ridge Energy issues a strong warning to the public that downed power lines can still be energized, and therefore dangerous or even deadly! The cooperative warns the public to stay far away from downed lines, which can be hidden underneath downed trees, water and other affected structures. Only a trained line technician should ever go near a downed power line. Blue Ridge Energy is assessing damage and members can also report downed lines by calling 1-800-451-5474.
While Blue Ridge Energy is aware of outages and system operators are monitoring conditions, members should only report outages by calling PowerLine at 1-800-448-2383, by using the Blue Ridge Energy mobile app, or, by texting OUT to 70216. Outage reports cannot be accepted over social media. Outage status is available 24/7 on the cooperative’s live outage map atwww.BlueRidgeEnergy.comand on the mobile app.
Emergency Curfew In Place | Received Sunday Sept 29, 2024 at 2:25PM
Due to dangerous conditions remaining, severely compromised roads, and ongoing emergency operations, Watauga County in coordination with the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock have declared a curfew from7pm to 7amuntil further notice.
Town of Boone Boil Water Advisory | Received Sunday Sept 29, 2024 at 1:47PM
Due to multiple water main breaks, a Boil Water Notice was issued on Friday, September 27. Many areas of Boone have experienced low or no water pressure over the past 48 hours. The Town of Boone is working diligently to make necessary repairs and fully restore water service to our customers; however, please keep in mind that service may be interrupted periodically. There are select areas of the Town where water service will not be restored for an extended period due to complete roadway washouts, which damaged water and sewer lines. Please boil any water used for human consumption for 1 minute before use.
Watauga County Emergency Services Debris Removal| Received Sunday Sept 29, at 9:03AM
Link to Debris Removal Press Release
Link to Debris Removal Guide
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