WATCH: Floodwaters rush through downtown Boone, NC during Helene

Rushing floodwaters were seen in downtown Boone Friday morning as Tropical Storm Helene brought torrential rain to the North Carolina mountains.
Several inches of water were seen rushing down King Street near the Mast General Store and Depot Street in the heart of downtown Boone. The water was seen running into several storefronts on King Street. A Resort Cams camera showed several vehicles passing through and around the floodwaters which are several inches deep.
WCNC Charlotte Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said he'd never seen this much water flooding downtown Boone.
"Look at the flow," Panovich said. "There are rapids, this is flowing."
Weather Impact forecaster Larry Sprinkle said it was the most water he'd seen in Boone during his career.
Helene's impacts have been felt across the Carolinas with millions of power outages and widespread flooding. Multiple flash flood emergencies were reported in the mountains, and a mandatory evacuation was ordered for residents near Mountain Island Lake in Mecklenburg County due to rising waters. #Helene #Weather #Flooding
READ MORE: www.wcnc.com/a...

[@tophermartinthecomic]

My grandfather lived to live on top of a mountain between Boone and West Jefferson (1974-2011). I spent time in western NC every other summer growing up. The devastation and destruction has left me shocked. My heart goes out to all those affected by Hurricane Helene.

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

We could see Mount Jefferson from our front porch. We will miss living there a lot.

[@glmand]

Thank you for leaving the comments on! Can’t believe some news channels leave the comments off... My nephew is there & is stuck without power or food. Prayers for all affected

[@kaythegardener]

The news was reporting that this hurricane was coming for nearly a week beforehand!! Why didn't your nephew & others stock up on food, water, & flashlights, etc??

[@brockn7878]

​@@kaythegardeneryou're the reason they turn the comments off. Phukouttahere

[@notmeee7302]

@kaythegardner BECAUSE THEY ARE 800 MILES INLAND!! THEY WERE TOLD TOO LATE TO EVACUATE. IT'S LIKE TELLING FLORIDA TO PREPARE FOR A BLIZZARD! This is Appalachia where often no electricity due to bad weather but when your whole house OR YOUR WHOLE TOWN is swept away by floods, it doesn't matter what you prepped for, IT'S GONE!

[@kaythegardener]

@@brockn7878 You attacked me personally instead of answering a valid question!!

[@brockn7878]

@@kaythegardener you "attacked" a bunch of strangers. Essentially, implying they are morons. Implying they're not worthy of compassion or concern. Fyi. There was Very little reason to guess that the fkn mountains of NC would get slammed like that that. It was Unprecedented. (Unlike Florida beach towns etc.) It was Not unreasonable to imagine the mountains would be safe. Also many people have NO Where TO GO, or the cars and/or money to rent one. Yes they should have e emergency supplies but... So many valid reasons. Yet your over here high horsing these people in their most desperate moments. That is offensive. So many progressives saying alll sorts of evil ish like they deserved cuz theyre Red area, or assumed ray sists. Your statement just fell into this pattern of blame and shame thats been angering me this entire week.

[@vaman5591]

You can see the how much the water rose in just minutes, look at the front bumper of the silver truck at the beginning and then at the end. It rose about 4 inches. May God protect these unfortunate people.

[@ReginaRedding]

👀😳😱🤯😰🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@barbaraneese4030]

My Mother was born in Boone and Grandpa lived right down under Howard’s Knob. Mama use to talk about the railroad being washed out many years ago. Tweetsie is just a small spot now and I guess all that is left of what use to be.

[@nekoti.8-2]

Is the Tweetsie Railroad gone?

[@standunitedorfall1863]

Boone sits in a bowl like valley that collects excess water like mad. This has happened before. I still have a video from about 5-7 yrs ago or so when a front stalled over Boone, and dumped multiple inches of water in the area. At this point it was worse than this is so far. Glad I didn't move there. The city has terrible traffic for it's size as well.

[@mkervelegan]

Greedy merchants there who prey on the idiots flocking to the mountains

[@dwjoseph59]

Reminds me of pineville, ky along the cumberland river in those mountains, pineville, ky does have floodgates & a floodwall around it though

[@borrago]

We are glad that you didn't move here as well. There are far too many people here.

[@Wilber-r7r]

​@@borragoI lived in Boone from 1970 to 1976. It's not an area that can tolerate heavy rain nor all the idiots that have apparently moved there to live. I don't think I'd enjoy living in Boone now as versus when I lived there fifty years ago.

[@stickerlady1774]

⁠@@Wilber-r7rone more idiot moved away from Boone in 1976.

[@YasminB-u9d]

I've seen so many rude comments like "they knew it was coming" or "they should have known to evacuate", but even the weathermen in the clip are surprised that there weren't flash flood warnings.

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

@@YasminB-u9d When this hit on Friday morning around 9:30 am, the eye was just west of Tampa, FL, so far away, so no one saw this coming, as everyone is watching the eye.

[@scotthanback4530]

Really didn't think it was going hit that bad I'm sure government will help I forgot this n.c

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

@@scotthanback4530 It was a landslide, not a flood, so we got hit in the back by the root ball of a huge tree, spun around 45° then pushed forward 30'. The house is totally off the foundation now and it is moving down the hill slowly.

[@CassieDavis613]

Yasmin, what about comments stating it is karma for being sun down towns. Disgusting. I report those comments to YT.

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

Mean people everywhere I guess.

[@keenancamfilms8313]

you can hear the awe in his voice...thats when you nned to be scared when your meterologist sounds afraid

[@DaveMetzel90-n8g]

The storm traveled about 85 -100 miles further east than what was forecast. This created much more rain and stronger winds for the mountains. We tracked the storm from 2 am til 2 pm, by 4 am we noticed it headed in more of a northeast direction then slowly turned towards a northwest direction. Getting over 15 inches of rain wasn't in their forecast. It was a freak on nature. Some reports compared it to a once in 5000 year storm. Be kind and respectful to fellow citizens, donate to help those in need. For the rude and disrespectful people maybe trade places with them. Be safe.

[@jrclark9019]

I had a ringside seat just outside of Lenoir. The ground was already pretty well soaked from previous rains. When this thing came, the ground couldn't take anymore. I don't know if I've ever seen this much rain come at one time. It was something to behold.

[@DaveMetzel90-n8g]

@jrclark9019 we used to travel up to the Lenoir area often. My dad liked doing business with the auto dealership Bush Cadillac-oldsmobile because they had plenty of inventory. We traveled all over the NC foothills and mountains for weekend trips and vacations. Parents had a camper setup in Spruce Pines, which flooded offer. I watched a video that Mark Huneycutt posted on his page called. I walked to Chimney Rock for answers. It was heartbreaking to see the destruction. A small river turned into a huge river that washed most everything away. I've been through Bate Cave many times, totally shocked to see damage. The foothills, NC-Tennessee mountains were out happy place to explore. Please donate to help those in need.

[@Kandacehine]

Boone has always been bad for flooding, I remember existing my dorm about 13 years ago during a bad storm and people were swimming down the road. The mall parking lot also flooded really bad cars were floating. I feel that this was nothing compared to what has happened in the past. I was also there for an earthquake. Boone has seen a lot worse. But praying that everyone is safe.

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

@@Kandacehine Dock Seating at Panera

[@toddjersey800]

People driving in that is amazing

[@smokytopia6354]

...imagine all this water suspended in the air before it came down on us....

[@jrclark9019]

@62.4 lbs per cubic foot, the sky was a tad bit heavy.

[@NicoleConner-dd1tf]

They opened the dams. Not from hurricane.

[@WaysaandMeans]

We need updates for areas around Gorges State Park. Places like Cashiers, Highlands, Lake Toxaway- anywhere headed west on 64. There’s got to be catastrophic damage. Hope all are well. Also, I believe the dam in Lake Lure might fail

[@lastcrazyhorn]

It did

[@mitchdavis2902]

DO NOT go to the Boone mall. It is subject to awful flooding!

[@flyingtoaster1427]

you mean now ?

[@Betsy-sp7jr]

Water must be coming off the mountain , never seen it like this. The mall area always floods. Lots of friends in the area . Pray that everyone stays safe . .

[@mikecrow8294]

Praying for you all 🙏🙏🙏

[@borrago]

"RIVER STREET" is named such for a reason.

[@ML-dk7bf]

It's like "Frog Level" in Waynesville.

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

Our house in Boone NC was totally destroyed by a landslide during Hurricane Helene. Insurance Denied. We need Cleanup Assistance.

[@lilsuzq32]

As a retired banking and insurance provider, it's sadly true that *no* home insurance policy covers earth movement damage (landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.)

[@RAV4Adventures2024]

@@lilsuzq32 Yep, its on the cover sheet of all insurancy policies.

[@lilsuzq32]

@@RAV4Adventures2024 - I live in the NW suburbs of Chicago in a manufactured-home over-55 community. My "regular" homeowner insurance is just under $1K for a home built in 1993, just under 1000 square feet. I asked my agent for a quote for flood insurance, even though I'm not in a so-called "flood hazard" area. My agent said the best she could do was a policy for $5000 a year, with a $15,000 deductible. As a senior living on about $25K a year I have no delusions that I could even begin to afford that cost. Sadly, like most folks, I'll just have to grin and bear it, and pray a heck of a lot.

[@owls381]

@@lilsuzq32what happens when people lose their home without flood insurance? Do they have to file for bankruptcy?

[@lilsuzq3289]

@@owls381 - Yes -- but if they own the land (as in a stick-built home) they can't discharge the mortgage in a bankruptcy. The mortgage company still has an enforceable lien, because the land still exists, even if the house/other structures are gone. They'll essentially be enslaved into make mortgage payments on on a non-existent home. (Or, they'll have to try a go fund me to raise money to move someplace cheaper outside the US - Costa Rica? Mexico? Portugal?)

[@sheajane7669]

Prayers for all who are affected by hurricane Helene 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@williamwilson6499]

How about making a donation…pray if you must, but these people need real help.

[@jrclark9019]

Thank you ma'am. Much appreciated.

[@jeffmercer3891]

@@williamwilson6499I’m included in “those people”. And let me tell you, the prayers worked.

[@elizabethharrison4037]

Rivers street is flooding as well

[@jennaadea]

Why are people out driving? Seriously? Why?

[@EricWmUpdate]

Firemen, Police, doctors, power line workers, all need to GO to work. Folks still get sick and need to go to the hospital. People need to check on elderly who can't live without power.

[@jennaadea]

@RoccoGucci lol dude, people are out driving at 3 am in nowhere, Nebraska. I know cause I am a truck driver. I know essential workers need to be at work. They already were. There are massive amounts of people out doing unnecessary crap. I've seen it all across the country. They used to pull people over for driving late at night. It's gotten ridiculous.

[@user-account-not-found]

Gotta get some mcdonalds breakfast in my pickup truck.

[@jennaadea]

@@user-account-not-found lol

[@senorjuanwick9818]

​@jennaadea Overnight workers exist, on my days off sometimes I can't sleep and I need to go somewhere. But my Lil mustang ain't going anywhere near these floodwaters lol

[@deplorablebilly1066]

People please slow down when driving through high water, not only for your safety but because you create a wake that flows into the businesses and homes just making their problems worse! Prayers for all those effected by this horrible situation.

[@jacksparrow3490]

They have to keep rpms high to not allow water to enter the exhaust and helpl push water away from the air intake..

[@janiceparker4530]

Wow prayers sent to y’all

[@steviestonehenge]

About :59 he says, "You can see some of these cars probably in shock at what’s happening right now.” Cars in shock? How does that happen? What I'm sure of is that there are a lot of PEOPLE in shock right now. My heart and thoughts are with them.

[@willisbarth]

Reminds me of ‘hey did you hear what china did? What Russia did? What Israel or Palestine did? Etc. etc. ‘

[@jamesleonard4713]

Real jerks, driving through that water and throwing wakes up into peoples businesses.

[@BossLadyTattoo]

Pretty sure that makes no difference at this point

[@horayshyt]

Can anyone tell me what’s going on in Marion NC. I live there and have family there. I can’t get ahold of anyone

[@prestongarvey7014]

Any information on banner elk? My girlfriend is there and I can’t reach her Edit: she’s fine but her condo is flooded and so are the roads leaving

[@will7its]

Oh no sir, I will check on her....

[@prestongarvey7014]

@@will7its 😂

[@PrettyGoodLookin]

@@will7its

[@melanievando2040]

I think cell service is out in that area. I have a home there but I'm in FL.

[@Mike-n2f8k]

Your girlfriend and your mother are at my house.

[@ChaseGameReviews]

yes, i do live in morganton and EVERYTHING is closed

[@BrooksLMM1]

Is Boon near Brice town? Does anybody know if they are getting through?

[@TomZart]

HURRICANE HELENE POEM -2024!! Helene hit like an atom bomb Consuming the helpless in its path. The waters of the deep surged forth Flooding everything with their wrath. The storms of life come to everyone There are none who are immune. Some approach in our later years While others come too soon. Conviction is our emotional union As we weather the storms of Earth. Thank God for His amazing grace Which helps us reveal our worth. Tears are a love-mates humble gift When it's time to say goodbye Though the eyes are wet and swollen With time and patience they dry. By Tom Zart Most Published Poet On The Web!

[@guycampbell733]

Helene struck like a thunderous quake, Engulfing all in her fierce embrace. The ocean’s fury began to awake, Drowning hopes in a turbulent race. Life’s storms touch each soul without refrain, No heart escapes from their harsh decree. Some trials arise in our twilight pain, While others confront us too soon to see. Together we stand through the raging night, Finding strength in the bonds we create. Grateful for grace that shines through the plight, Guiding us gently as we navigate fate. Tears flow freely when goodbyes draw near, A bittersweet gift in the shadow of loss. Though swollen with sorrow, we’ll persevere, In time, love will help us to bear the cost.

[@guycampbell733]

Helene struck like a devastating force, Devouring all in its relentless course. The ocean's depths unleashed their might, Overwhelming everything in sight. Storms of life visit everyone, No one escapes when they’ve begun. Some come in the twilight of our years, While others arrive, igniting early fears. Together we find strength through pain, Facing tempests that life can feign. We’re thankful for grace that lights our way, Helping us uncover our worth each day. Tears, a gentle farewell’s release, A humble gift when parting brings grief. Though eyes may weep and hearts feel sore, With time and love, we heal once more.

[@UncleDavesKitchen]

Helene was mean as a dirty old bit$h but rather than caked and dry she uncaged her rage like spit and tears made of water than fell from the sky --Uncle Dave

[@TeasLouise]

You can see on the NOAA map he showed that the whole area is under a Flash Flood Warning. Local emergency services should have been monitoring that and warning residents on their weather apps, radio, phone,

[@Ronnie-c3l]

It's amazing to me how few people carry emergency supplies in their vehicle or keep a "Bug Out Bag" to grab and go in a hurry. I guess I need to move my important papers to an easier place to grab and go.

[@lisaazzano1811]

The shock is people driving in that thinking their car mysteriously turned into a boat since a hurricane hit 😳

[@jeremys5904]

These towns need a RIVER...something larger than a creek.

[@timfarrell1579]

Weather manipulation by our own government ☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️☠️

[@paulsmallriver6066]

bs

[@RalphSmith-cj5he]

More construction more cars on roads with an Aged infrastructure. More of this deluge madness will continue

[@seanmcintyre3193]

Vacationed there in 2001. App State. Thought it would be a great place to move to.

[@RMartin631]

I feel bad for those businesses but in all honesty, it could have been a whole lot worse. Ellicott City, MD is very much like Boone. Ellicott City was ravaged by not one, but two devastating flash floods, one in 2016 and another one in 2018. The water on the main street was up to the second floor of the buildings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnfIh6l6aq1ppLM

[@flyingtoaster1427]

oh boy that is breaking

[@bimini1216]

Don't walk in it. You can fall through a sewer manhole

[@Keepskatin]

Revelations🤲🏾📖 America

[@MaxZomboni]

I'm sure the businesses owes appreciate those 4x4s racing down the flooded streets creating wakes and pushing water into their stores. 😡

[@kimcissell1905]

FEMA is out of money. Where is Mayorkas ????

[@patrick39432]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKOnk4CeoN2JmpYsi=2OfEtsAjtHvupNBZ

[@paulsmallriver6066]

Wrong. Please cease spreading disinformation. There is money per the bill voted on by Congress, with most Republicans voting against.

[@bxondemand]

Anyone know about Maggie Valley?

[@heatherturbyfill6921]

Nooo I live near by but I’m at the beach

[@robertspringer92]

Insane, went to college at app state back in 2010, now living in the Tetons of Wyoming/Idaho. This is insane, so tragic and sad. I'm tempted to fly to NC and join in on any help I can.

[@JusticeGlobal]

Helene, Helene, Helene!!!

[@oneseeker2]

The cars are not in shock, the people are

[@scrap4u1]

I am in Washington state. Please remember lots of the world is viewing. Could you tell us what state this is? 😢

[@thomasfarrell8622]

North Carolina

[@ronnieharrison2143]

WHY would people drive so fast through this water? It is crazy for them to do this.

[@mikLpkL]

What if this were snow?

[@lilsuzq32]

1" of rain = ~12" of snow -- so 30" rain = ~30 *_FEET_* of snow!!

[@8Pointbuck]

Democrat is fast becoming an unspeakable word let alone a vote.

[@maggieirussell]

Campus is below king street, 100 feet lower

[@glenngrinter6818]

🏈 game vs. Liberty canceled.💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

[@p-mac5969]

Plenty of help for illegals but zero help or care for tax paying Americans. Our government has failed us. Time for major changes.

[@patrickwhelan5703]

Easy you russian troll. It's far better than your country. How's the war treating you?

[@jamessandman3708]

"Zero help?" Don't propagate lies! Fema has brought millions in supplies and rescue efforts already. They are just not pandering to the media and the massive amount of supplies and equipment are landing at airports that are a distance from the catastrophe. Most military aircraft can not find landing areas until they get places cleared. Don't be foolish.

[@williamwilson6499]

You’re lying. Millions have been spent so far and it will go into the billions before it’s done. Elect Republicans and aid for disasters will end…Project 2025.

[@funkyuns1655]

where is the water coming from ? there is no river near there, is there ?

[@KrisRogers-ue3nu]

You can see how many warnings and emergency declarations where issued that went ignored and now they want the Government to save them….Noahs Arc.

[@Two-freez4]

Please explain how the warnings were ignored. What is your evidence? This area had non-stop rain for two days before the storm hit. There was(is) no way to control or channel this much rain in the mountains. If you had seen the devastation with your own eyes after the storm and also how folks got to work right away to clean up the destruction/damage of their properties and many that showed up to help their friends and neighbors, you wouldn't be making ignorant remarks.

[@JusticeGlobal]

Milton, Milton Milton!!!

[@NancySSmith-y5g]

Has anyone been to Hounds Ear area in Boone NC can you also see if you can find Sammy and Sheila Faye friends of my husband Smitty

[@barbarawarren9443]

OMG!

[@charlottecoolik9872]

😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[@reggaejoe494]

Why are you talking about a small ass town like this

[@rdbjrseattle]

Boone Creek

[@mrsunsfan-gz2lx]

Biden’s America.

[@elizabethofblueridge1617]

Idiotic!

[@BabsKaz]

The Gates of Hell 👿

[@talonanthony]

Your boy Robinson is watching trans porn while all this is going on. FDJ6T 😂😂😂

[@SarahStuff-p5u]

Biden asked congress to fund Fema for 4 billion, was flat refused by Republicans, look in the mirror.

[@kathywaterslafollette7702]

These things have happened forever in the mountains. I am 76 and my grandma told me about this happening when she was a child. Don't be part of anyone's base. It keeps you from knowing the truth.

[@jharvey9898]

😢

[@user-account-not-found]

Just imagine how bad this would be if climate change was real!

[@BabsKaz]

It's geoengineering

[@user-account-not-found]

@@BabsKaz 🤭🤪

[@davidloudermilk7307]

Yeah,We never had Hurricanes 100 years ago

[@rebelfighter5249]

Seems we can't go a single natural disaster these days without the tin foilers popping out of the woodwork. God, y'all r so annoying.

[@eearts]

RESEARCH MUDFLOOD

[@ullijierchhoff9782]

Without speekers voice ist enough. You talk to much

[@reggaejoe494]

Nothing

[@bobbyhicks6988]

Boone was built on swamp ask anyone who knows anyone you know locals

[@BackwoodBassHunter]

Sundown Town.

[@regionalunityproductions6204]

So King Potatoe approves emergency funding for North Carolina? Grasping for votes is obscene! Just shut up and send the help.

[@lifeanew7712]

I hate nc😁🎉

[@yojimbo3856]

Thats okay we hate you too

[@Dreamfullofashes]

Lol at least it's not GA or FL 😂❤😅

[@gleebybooer]

Then leave pls

[@HBKshowstopper]

K thnx BYE

[@JjPp-p4u]

GODS doing its job.Karma on Sundown Towns. Too much hate.

[@Takashima158]

Well racist White’s probably said the same thing almost 20 years ago when Hurricane Katrina affected the Black population there. It’s sad whoever it affects but if You find joy in this…what does that say about You & your spiritual condition? Do You hear yourself? Vengeance is one of the most unflattering attributes of the human condition & You think that is the attitude to embrace concerning the Lord? Karma is a concept from Hinduism & Babylon. I doubt God wants anything to do with idolatry.

[@scottybeck100]

"These people are in shock. They were warned about climate change in early 2000's but were too stupid to listen."

[@sw8741]

This has nothing to do with climate change.