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An aerial view of flooding on Hwy. 9 near Lake Adger Dam (Photo courtesy Polk County Government)

The bridge over the Green River on Hwy. 9 at the Lake Adger Dam was severely damaged. (Photo courtesy Polk County Government)

Many roads saw extreme flash flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Helene (Photo courtesy Polk County Government)

Damage to Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda (Photo submitted)

A wrecked car and debris along Hwy 176 (Photo / Dan Gilmore)

One fatality in Polk confirmed due to Tropical Storm Helene

POLK COUNTY—Rescue operations related to Tropical Storm Helene were underway throughout Polk County up until Wednesday, according to County Manager Marche Pittman. Those efforts have now transitioned into a recovery phase.

Emergency Response Leadership, with the support of the National Guard, conducted an aerial assessment of the damage caused by the storm on Wednesday. This bird’s-eye view provided a comprehensive understanding of the devastation, particularly in areas near rivers, creeks, and dams where flooding and destruction were most severe.

Areas in the valley between Tryon and Saluda and in Green River Cove saw dozens of rescue missions, beginning with Helene’s arrival on Friday, September 27. Multiple mudslides outside of Tryon and Saluda damaged or destroyed at least 27 homes or structures, including the beloved Caro-Mi Restaurant along Hwy. 176, which was knocked off its foundation by the flooding. Many people were stranded by flood waters or debris, requiring emergency assistance to be evacuated. The number of structures severely damaged will likely continue to grow as numbers are updated.

Large sections of Green River Cove Road outside of Saluda have remained completely isolated, leading to multiple helicopter rescues throughout the week, and extreme flooding along the Green River near the Lake Adger Dam on Hwy. 9 caused severe damage to the bridge there. 

One death has been confirmed in Polk County as of Thursday evening, which occurred in the early stages of the storm due to the collapse of their residence in the Pearson’s Falls Road area.

“Specialized Search and Rescue Units from New York/New Jersey, the National Guard, Brunswick County, and local emergency response teams have been actively deployed throughout the county, utilizing all necessary resources to assess the status of homes, residents, and infrastructure, particularly in areas where roadways have sustained significant damage,” Pittman said Thursday. “Every welfare check reported to the Emergency Operations Center or 911 is being thoroughly investigated and addressed.”

While utility restoration is gradually progressing in certain areas, the county’s immediate priority has been the distribution of MREs and water at five designated points throughout the county to ensure residents have access to critical resources. Pick up points and location hours are available on tryondailybulletin.com.

“The Meals on Wheels program continues to operate with the highest level of care, ensuring that all registered clients receive meals and benefit from physical contact during each delivery,” Pittman added. “Our focus remains on providing consistent support, essential nutrition, and personal care to these vulnerable members of our community.”

The county is also working closely with FEMA, which has embedded a liaison here in Polk County to guide both county officials and community members through the next steps of the recovery process. 

“This partnership is key to ensuring a coordinated and effective recovery effort,” Pittman said.

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