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By Buzz Trexler

Star Correspondent

 As the remnants of Hurricane Helene sent roaring winds and heavy rain into the region, Carter County Volunteer Fire Department Station in Roan Mountain alerted residents about 8 a.m. today via the emergency siren to evacuate the Village of Roan Mountain.

 Carter County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Abby Frye said this morning by phone that Carter County Rescue Squad was assisting people in the evacuation.

 “Looks like on Heaton Creek there were several homes that were stranded by water,” Frye said as she was reading the call log. “Rescue Squad has advised they’ve gotten everybody out that wanted to evacuate.”

At 11:32 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for Doe River at Elizabethton until 8:50 p.m. At 11:15 a.m., the Doe River was at 7.6 feet, while the river is expected to rise above flood stage late this morning to a crest of 9.5 feet Friday afternoon.

 It’s also been reported that water is over the bridge on Morgan Branch.

 The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for Carter, Greene, Johnson, and Unicoi Counties until noon today. Among the areas expected to experience flooding are Hampton, Roan Mountain State Park, the Village of Roan Mountain, Milligan College, Shady Valley, Johnson City, Erwin, Mountain City, Banner Hill, Unicoi, Doeville, Neva, Trade, Rocky Fork, Laurel Bloomery and Cedar Creek.

 Frye said the Carter County Emergency Management Agency is opening Cloudland High School and Hampton High School to evacuees. Carter County 911 posted on its social media page that other shelters include Hampton Elementary, Unaka High, and Happy Valley High schools, along with any fire station.

 Carter County Schools and Elizabethton City Schools are closed today.

 On Thursday, the American Red Cross opened a relief station at First Christian Church, Mountain City, for Johnson and Carter County residents and will provide food as needed.

 Carter County Emergency Management Agency has issued a traffic alert advising drivers to be aware of flooding as well as heavy rain and winds, and to only travel if it is required.