Buncombe County leaders gave an update Saturday morning on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, and the Buncombe County Director of Emergency Services, Taylor Jones, said, "We have had loss of life."

Jones said officials weren't prepared to give more details on the deaths and how they occurred.

"We are not prepared to release all of that information at this time. We will be providing a statement at a later time. We have to notify loved ones first," Jones said.

Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina overnight Thursday and through the morning Friday, bringing heavy rain and hurricane-force winds that brought down trees on powerlines and left most of the region without power. Residents not only lost power but also internet service and cell phone service.

Jones said the 911 call center received 556 calls on Friday and that emergency personnel conducted 130 water rescues.

"The communication has been very challenging. We need to concentrate on emergency life-saving calls at this point," he said.

Jones said many people are out on the roads, which is hindering personnel from getting to where they need to be and also try to restore power.

"We have major flooding still. I've seen many people out near the rivers, even kids playing near the rivers. Stay away from the water," Jones said. "The water is dirty, and it is still dangerous."

Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller said in the briefing that people need to have patience and let emergency crews do their jobs.

"We are a community of 'we,' and we will get through this stronger than we were before this happened," he said. "We ask that the community listen to the updates from local officials. We also ask they be kind to their neighbors. Help those that you can. We will get through this."

Buncombe County School Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson said the safety of students and staff were of upmost importance. He also announced in the briefing that Buncombe County Schools would be closed Monday and Tuesday.