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What we know in the aftermath of the Asheville floods

(This story is being 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 due to Tropical Storm Helene, Biltmore is temporarily closed,” read a statement on the historic home and museum’s social media account on Saturday.

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

The Asheville area was devastated by flooding from Tropical Storm Helene, leaving thousands without power and cell service. The cell and internet outages also affected the Biltmore Estate.

“Our area is currently experiencing intermittent internet access and cellular service, which has also impacted our call center. We appreciate your understanding as we wait for these communications channels to be repaired.”

Nearby Biltmore Village is hit hard by flooding

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Flood Asheville NC: Biltmore Village underwater after Helene

Asheville, North Carolina’s historic Biltmore Village, was flooded after Helene tore through the area.

Residents of Biltmore Village experienced historic flooding due to rain from Helene.

The Swannanoa River at Biltmore crested at 26.1 feet Friday at 3:45 p.m., nearly six feet above the record, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. At 10:30 p.m. the river was 6.9 meters deep. The previous record for that location was 6.7 meters.

According to NOAA standards, major flooding begins at a depth of 18 feet.

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

What visitors to Biltmore Estate need to know

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

Once ready, they can call 800-411-3812 to reserve a date or time in advance. Or they can redeem their ticket in person at the estate’s reception and ticket sales centre. They can also request a refund online.

Overnight guests between September 27 and October 1 will have their reservation automatically canceled. Those planning to arrive afterward should check the Biltmore Estate website for further updates.