What we know in the aftermath of Helene devastation in Asheville

October 1

(This story will be updated)

The Biltmore Estate is assessing damage and will remain temporarily closed after devastating rain from Tropical Storm Helene caused catastrophic flooding in the Asheville area.

“Due to significant flooding, impassable roads and widespread power outages in our region from Tropical Storm Helene, Biltmore is temporarily closed,” read a statement Saturday on the social media account for the historic house and museum.

They are asking people to check biltmore.com/weather-update for the latest. As of Sunday, a message on the website says they are still assessing damage from the storm and are working to reopen.

The Asheville area was devastated by flooding due to Tropical Storm Helene, leaving thousands without power and cell service. The cell and Internet outage also impacted the Biltmore Estate.

“Our area has intermittent internet access and cellular service at this time, which has also impacted our call center. We appreciate your understanding as we await repair of those communication channels.”

Nearby Biltmore Village hit hard by floods

Biltmore Village residents experienced historic flooding due to rain from Helene.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Swannanoa River at Biltmore crested at 26.1 feet, nearly 6 feet above the record, at 3:45 p.m. Friday. As of 10:30 p.m., the river was down to 20.9 feet. The previous record for that location was 20.7 feet.

According to the NOAA’s standards, major flooding begins at 18 feet.

Many roads are closed across Western North Carolina due to flooding, fallen trees, mudslides and rockslides. North Carolina Department of Transportation and Buncombe County officials asked people to avoid traveling if at all possible. A full list of road closures can be found at drivenc.gov.

What Biltmore Estate visitors, guests should know

Guests who had tickets to visit the Biltmore Estate can use their tickets another day. they do not need to call to change their visit date at this time though.

When ready, they can call 800-411-3812 to reserve a date or time in advance Or exchange their ticket in-person at the estate’s Reception and Ticketing Sales Center. They can also request a refund online.

Overnight guests for Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 will have their reservations automatically canceled. Those planning to arrive after should check the Biltmore Estate’s website for further updates.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Biltmore Estate: What we know in the aftermath of Asheville flooding

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