News

Forecasters add high wind warning; weekend festivals called off

By Bill Moss, Published: October 1, 2015

Forecasters added a high wind watch to a potentially hazardous weekend of bad weather that also includes heavy rain and a flood warning along the French Broad River. The bad weather forced the cancellation of Farm City Day and Art on Main. 

Henderson County’s first responders on Thursday prepared for up to 13 inches of rain and the potential for flooding and widespread power outages this weekend as two weather systems combined to create a major storm threat.
“According to the Weather Service, and we just had a briefing, our weather is not going to affected by the track of Joaquin. But Joaquin’s existence is enhancing the low we already have,” Emergency Services Director Rocky Hyder said Thursday afternoon. “We’re in for a lot of rainfall this weekend. We’re into what looks like between 10 and 13 inches. If you live in southern Henderson County you’ll get more, if you live in northern Henderson County it will probably be less.”

Forecasters warned that the winds will pose a threat.

“Although the winds may not reach the typical high wind thresholds of 40 mph for sustained winds or 58 mph or greater wind gusts, the saturated soil conditions will make this an especially dangerous setup for falling trees," its advisory said.

The big storm forced the cancellation of early fall events that attract large crowds to Hendersonville — Farm City Day at Jackson Park and Art on Main downtown. 

Farm City Day organizers called off the festival on Thursday night.

"Our decision was made due to the impending weather and the official state of emergency that has been declared for the state," co-directors Karen Saine and Kerrie Roach said in a statement. "The safety of all concerned must be taken into consideration. We are sorry for any inconvenience but hope to see you all next year."

After watching weather forecast all day Thursday, Kim Adams, the coordinator of Art on Main, the new warning of high winds early Friday clinched the decision to call off the outdoor art exhibit.

"We have invited all the artists that have been through this jury process to come back and join us next year," Adams said, adding that artists had been understanding of the decision to cancel. The Arts Council of Henderson County will absorb the loss.

"We've already spent money on advertising," she said. "We printed posters. We've been spending money all year long promoting the show. Unfortunately, that is money that comes out of our budget."

The annual art festival, which would bring 73 exhibitors to Main Street, could not be postponed.
“Most artists have their whole fall schedule set by now,” Adams said. “This is their busy time of year.”

The county emergency management office advised first responders to be prepared for flooding, landslides and widespread power outages.

“The winds might not necessarily be high but with the moisture content we’ve got in the ground it’s pretty saturated,” Hyder said. “If you look at 10 inches of rain and wind gusts of 25 mph we certainly we feel like we’ll have trees down on power lines.”
Hyder ordered the emergency office’s shelter team to schedule staff in case the county needs to open a shelter. It would open at First Baptist Church if needed.
“I think this is definitely one of those where you need to be prepared,” Hyder said, drawing a comparison to the one-two punch of hurricanes Frances and Ivan in October 2004. “Have your medicine and oxygen available if you’re on oxygen. It’s going to be a very significant storm if it unfolds the way it’s forecast.”
The sheriff’s department is ready to respond as well.
“We are working very closely with emergency management and Rocky Hyder,” said sheriff’s Maj. Frank Stout. “We are preparing for what may be coming in. They’re monitoring it very closely and looking at the possibility of setting up shelters should they be needed. We’re in a supporting role for whatever it needed.”

In other developments:

• The Mills River, which had been down to 32 cubic feet per second last Wednesday was at 169 CFS on Thursday after approaching 1,000 feet per second on Tuesday night.
• The Blue Ridge Parkway issued a road advisory for the entire 469-mile route through Monday. Drivers are encouraged to use extreme caution and be aware of the potential for falling rocks and downed trees. The Parkway requires driving with extra care due to its narrow road shoulders, steep grades and numerous curves. Drivers must adhere to posted speed limits and be prepared to stop or turn around.
• Gov. Pat McCrory declared a State of Emergency in all 100 counties, warning that weather systems independent of Hurricane Joaquin are likely to dump flooding rains on the state. If Hurricane Joaquin were to make landfall in North Carolina the rainfall total would increase. McCrory warned that fallen trees could be a particular danger given much of ground in the state is saturated after rains that have fallen throughout the state during the past week.
• The National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch for the mountains until 8 a.m. Monday.