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POLK COUNTY—Helene made landfall in Florida Thursday evening as a major hurricane, resulting in nearly 48 hours of constant rain and severe weather in Polk County and the Upstate. Helene was later downgraded to a tropical storm, but the effects were felt on a significant level in the Foothills.

Nearly ten inches of rain prompted flash flood warnings in the county, and the damaging winds, power outages, flooding and downed trees affected roads and daily life throughout the area.

Local schools were closed Friday, as were government offices and many businesses in the area. A state of emergency was declared in North Carolina Wednesday ahead of the storm, with Tryon, Saluda and Columbus following suit.

“We’ve had several trees come down through homes,” said Tryon Public Information Officer Steven Siler. “Right now, Hwy. 176 is completely closed with several houses flooded. In addition, South Trade Street is flooded as well as Harmon Field Road. Every bridge from the Pacolet North has been washed out. Evacuations are currently underway.

“We’ve had several vehicles overtaken and float into the river, and one emergency responder suffered a broken arm due to a falling tree.”

At least 3,000 residences were without power Friday morning, and many roads were impassable due to large trees that had fallen across them.

“Currently, thankfully, there are no deaths to report,” said Siler.

A warning shared by Polk County Emergency Management early Friday noted that Helene could bring some of the most catastrophic damage to the area in decades.

This is a developing situation. Tryondailybulletin.com will provide updates as details become available.