Town of Black Press Release: 10/01/2024

Black Mountain, NC – October 1, 2024. Damage to Black Mountain and towns in Western NC has been catastrophic. Since Friday, September 27, the town government, police, and fire departments have been working around the clock to reach town residents and provide critical support. Due to the rapidly changing situation, daily updates will be provided through press releases and community meetings. Community meetings will be held daily at 3:00pm at Town Square Park.

Town water and sewer systems are still down. Restoration of running water is still unknown. The Town of Black Mountain Public Works Department is working today to access the water treatment plant to perform a damage assessment. Water restoration within the Town of Black Mountain will be dependent on the North Fork water line, which received significant damage.

Late yesterday evening, power was restored to portions of downtown Black Mountain. The majority of Black Mountain, Montreat and Ridgecrest remain without power. Power restoration will occur as lines are cleared. With the restoration of power to the downtown area, several local gas stations have been able to reopen today. Shipments of fuel into the area are limited and inconsistent. We encourage you to conserve fuel as much as possible.

The Black Mountain Fire Department has checked the majority of houses in Black Mountain, Montreat and Ridgecrest for stranded residents. Operations are now shifting to return to damaged residences to mitigate fire risks, as power begins to be restored.

This afternoon, east and westbound lanes of Interstate 40 opened between Ridgecrest and Old Fort. I-26 East remains open to South Carolina. The Black Mountain Police Department will have officers at exits off I-40 limiting access to residents and support services (including donations). Limiting access will ensure public safety for citizens due to the extensive hazards associated with storm damage.

Supplies of food and drinking water are available daily for distribution from 9:00 am-7:00pm at Ingles in Black Mountain, 550 NC-9. Food and water are continuously coming into our community, and each day we continue to receive more supplies. Hot meals will be served starting at lunchtime today and will be available for residents for lunch and dinner at the food and water distribution site. There are many community organizations also distributing hot meals including area churches, restaurants and non-profit organizations.

Public restrooms (port-a-johns) are available at the Visitor Center/Chamber of Commerce parking lot at 201 East State Street.

We encourage you to utilize NC 211 who can provide assistance to those who may be looking for someone. Please dial 

2-1-1 (or 1-888-892-1162) or by visiting www.nc211.org.  You can also visit www.unitedwaync.org to fill out a request form and to add them to the search and rescue efforts.