Days of torrential rains in North Carolina culminating with tropical downpours from what was Hurricane Helene have led to officials keeping a close eye on a major dam, the closure of two main interstates in the mountains and flooding everywhere.

In Buncombe County, a local state of emergency was declared Wednesday to help the cities of Asheville, Biltmore Forest, Weaverville, the Woodfin, Black Mountain and Montreat.

The storm is responsible for at least 15 deaths in Georgia alone and continues to pack a powerful punch as it continues north.