Flooding forces evacuation of 2 western NC correctional facilities, 400 inmates relocated

Two correctional facilities in western North Carolina were evacuated Monday due to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Helene.

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) relocated 400 inmates from the Western Correctional Center for Women in Swannanoa and the Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women in Black Mountain.

The evacuation decision was made based on the anticipated extended timeframe for restoring water and power to these facilities.

All inmates were safely transferred to other women’s correctional facilities by early evening.

Family and friends are advised not to call the prisons for updates.

Relocated inmates will be able to make phone calls once they reach their new locations.

The online Offender Locator will be updated within 24 hours to reflect temporary housing assignments.