Major WNC roads closed due to flooding and slides from Hurricane Helene

(WLOS) — The North Carolina Department of Transportation says portions of Interstate 26 and 40 are closed due to storm damage from Helene.

HURRICANE HELENE: HIGHWAY PATROL advises WNC residents to stay off roads

“All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed. Motorists should not drive in this area, do not attempt to drive through standing water and must respect barricades and road closure signs,” a statement said DriveNC.gov reads. “Those in western North Carolina should seek higher ground and shelter.”

UPDATED FRIDAY 5:00 PM:

I-26 closed near Asheville

All lanes of I-26 are closed south of Asheville between Exits 49 (US 64) and Exit 53 (Upward Road) due to flooding. The road is expected to reopen on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

I-40 closed near Asheville

All lanes of I-40 are closed one mile west of Exit 64 (NC 9) near Black Mountain due to flooding. The road is expected to reopen on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

I-40 closed near Asheville

Due to a mudslide, all lanes of I-40 are closed between Exit 66 (Ridgecrest) and Exit 72 (Old Fort). The road is expected to reopen on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

I-40 CLOSED NEAR TN STATE LINE

Due to flooding, all lanes of I-40 East are closed at the Tennessee state line. The road is expected to reopen on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

I-40 closed near Asheville

I-40 is closed at Exit 20 (US 276) due to flooding. The road is expected to reopen on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

I-40 EAST CLOSED NEAR ASHEVILLE

I-40 East is closed at Exit 4 (NC 191) due to flooding. The road is expected to reopen on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

I-40 WEST CLOSED NEAR ASHEVILLE

I-40 West is closed at Exit 7 (Cold Springs Creek Rd) due to flooding. The road is expected to reopen on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Do not drive through standing water. Respect barricades and road closure signs. For more safety information, see readync.gov.