...McDowell County Emergency Management has requested air support from NC Emergency Management to rescue trapped citizens who emergency personnel can't reach. Air support will not be available until weather conditions improve. Every available first responder is working to respond to emergency calls. Numerous cell towers are down and major infrastructure damage has occurred....
There are widespread power, internet, and cell phone outages across #westernNC. Most of the information I'm getting and relaying is from NCWX authority (https://www.ncwxauthority.com/?), Day One Relief (on FB only), and the politically-endanged National Weather Service.
...The main priorities are to rescue citizens who are still trapped in flood waters and within structures. The priority will then quickly transition to get major roads open and attempt to gain access to isolated communities. Please be patient as we attempt rescue fellow citizens who remain in a life threatening situation. Stay away from floodwaters and off the highways unless you are moving to higher ground...