Becky Johnson

1 week ago | themountaineer.com | Becky Johnson

A section of Interstate 40 just over the state line from Haywood County has washed out due to localized heavy rain in the area — prompting a closure of I-40 in both directions. In Haywood County, the interstate is closed west of exit 20. The washout occurred around 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 18. It was originally reported by Tennessee Department of Transportation as "a potential rock slide" about five miles past the state line. In addition, however, the roadway was overtopped by flash flooding.

1 week ago | themountaineer.com | Becky Johnson

Prepare for construction delays and detours on the U.S. 23-74 bypass near Waynesville: eastbound will be reduced to one lane this weekend and a temporary closure of the onramp from Lake Junaluska is already in place. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry You must be logged in to rate. Click any rating to login.

1 week ago | themountaineer.com | Becky Johnson

Prepare for construction delays and detours on the U.S. 23-74 bypass near Waynesville: eastbound will be reduced to one lane this weekend and a temporary closure of the onramp from Lake Junaluska is already in place. The traffic disruption of the onramp closure comes at an inopportune time for Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, which is hosting up to 4,000 visitors starting Thursday for the annual conference of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church.

3 weeks ago | themountaineer.com | Becky Johnson

So far, 71 flood victims in Haywood County are seeking a buyout of their damaged homes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, leaving a patchwork of vacant property across the county in Helene’s wake. The number doesn’t include dozens more contemplating a buyout but still deciding. Buyout interest is greater than three years ago when Tropical Storm Fred sent a tidal wave down the Pigeon, wiping out everything in its path. Only 29 flood victims took a buyout thanks to Fred.

3 weeks ago | themountaineer.com | Becky Johnson

Flood victims who opted for a buyout of their homes following Tropical Storm Fred in 2021 are still waiting for their check three-and-a-half years later. But the finish line is close. “They are no longer waiting. They are in the action phase where they are actively getting an appraisal,” said Cody Grasty with Haywood Emergency Services, the county’s FEMA buyout coordinator. Initially, 40 applied for the buyout after Fred, and 29 are still in.