Hurricane Helene was a shock to Western North Carolina. We were considered a “safe-haven” from major storms – hurricanes, tornadoes, and tropical storms; but that all changed recently when Helene made her way to the mountains. Even NOAA, The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, which is based in downtown Asheville, didn’t anticipate the catastrophic damage that we experienced across WNC. Now, as we recover from the damage, the community of Western North Carolina wants to speak. Click the links below to watch the videos:
Watch Videos From The Asheville Community After Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene 2024 in Western North Carolina
Hurricane Helene in 2024 caused severe impacts in Western North Carolina, primarily due to record-breaking rainfall and significant flooding. The storm delivered over 15 inches of rain across several counties, with some areas, like southeastern Yancey County, receiving more than 30 inches. This led to catastrophic flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure, including major road closures like the Blue Ridge Parkway and parts of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee border.
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Buncombe County, home to Asheville, was among the hardest hit, with substantial flooding along the French Broad River. Nearby rivers, including the Swannanoa, Broad, and Watauga, crested at record levels, displacing residents and causing widespread property damage.
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The human toll was significant, with over 100 fatalities reported across North Carolina, and more than 200 people were unaccounted for weeks after the storm. The event is now considered one of the deadliest and most costly hurricanes to affect the region.
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For recovery efforts, aid has been mobilized, including federal and state emergency assistance, to rebuild affected areas and provide support to displaced residents.