High Waters are Receding in WNC Area

High Waters are Receding in WNC Area

Front page article describing the 1949 flood. Floodwaters have heavily damaged crops in low-lying areas. The French Broad has crested at 11.8', two inches below the expected crest. It has since fallen 7.5'. All major highways in WNC are open, however many smaller roads are closed due to being underwater, under a landslide, or made inaccessible due to bridges being washed out. The hurricane was caused by flash flooding from a 20-hour storm. Henderson and Haywood counties were hit worst due to their relative flatness. The corn crop in these counties was destroyed by the floodwaters. The Red Cross worked to evacuate, shelter, feed, and return families to their homes in low lying areas. Champion Fibre's Fibreville was evacuated as it began to flood. The mill itself was protected by dikes. Water only entered the digester building, but even then the damage was minimal. The plant did, however, close down for five hours, sharply limiting production.

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