"Record Flood Stage. This stage last occurred in April of 1791 according to Tennessee Valley Authority records. Catastrophic flooding of the Swannanoa River Valley is likely," the National Water Prediction Service posted on the river gauge's website.

The death toll from Helene climbed as emergency responders rushed to rescue residents in small mountain towns that have been cut off from communication.

More than 200 people were reported rescued from flood waters in North Carolina following Helene’s torrential rains with more expected in the coming days. Water levels in the Biltmore Village of Asheville reached the first story of many buildings.