UPDATE at 10:30 a.m.: Emergency Services Director Jimmy Brissie said they’ve taken a number of calls this morning for trees and power lines down.
The county is also starting to see some flash flooding along Mud Creek and Cane Creek.
Greenville Highway is closed near St. John in the Wilderness. A tree has been reported down in the area, and more than 1,000 Duke Energy customers are without power in Flat Rock.
Nearly 700 customers are without power along U.S. 64 in the Edneyville area.
The Beverly Hanks Center and Seventh Avenue in front of DaVita Dialysis are closed, the Hendersonville Police Department said.
The following roads are also closed due to downed trees or flooding: U.S. 64 (Chimney Rock Road) near Apple Valley Travel Park, tree down; Jackson Road between Howard Gap Road and Coffee Lane; River Road at Etowah School Road; Timberlane Drive off Old Highway 64.
A tornado watch has been issued for Polk and Rutherford counties and the Piedmont and Upstate South Carolina.
Thunderstorms, heavy rain soaking Henderson County
A wet morning continues in Henderson County as thunder and heavy rain move through the area.
A hazardous weather outlook has been issued by the National Weather Service for Western North Carolina, the Piedmont and Upstate South Carolina.
“Isolated severe thunderstorms capable of producing locally damaging wind gusts and isolated brief tornadoes will be possible, especially across the Piedmont, and especially in the late morning and afternoon. In addition, localized excessive rainfall may cause flash flooding of small streams and urban areas,” the NWS says.
Winds of 14 to 16 mph is expected today, with gusts as high as 29 mph. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible, the NWS says.
About 1,000 customers are without power in Flat Rock near St. John in the Wilderness, and a tree has been reported down in that area.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect until 10:15 a.m. and a flood advisory is in effect until 9:15 p.m.
The rain should continue until at least 2 a.m., with a low around 41. South southwest winds of 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph, are expected overnight.
There’s a 50-percent chance of showers Saturday, with a high near 51.
