Communities Struggle to Recover as Hurricane Helene Leaves Western North Carolina Devastated by Record Flooding

Charlotte, N.C. – Communities Picking Up the Pieces After Hurricane Helene

As we take a moment to reflect on this past weekend, it’s clear that Western North Carolina communities have been significantly affected by the heavy rain and overwhelming flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. While the storm hit on Friday, its impact has been felt long before, as substantial rain poured down in the days leading up to Helene’s arrival. The situation has left many feeling anxious and unsettled.

Record-breaking Rainfall Across the Region

Spanning from Cherokee County in the west to Mecklenburg County in the east, the flooding has been nothing short of unprecedented. In two short days, many areas received rainfall totals that would typically be expected over several months. Buncombe County, known for its picturesque Asheville, recorded around 15 inches of rain in certain spots, while Asheville itself was drenched with approximately 14 inches over a three-day period. But that’s not all! In southeastern Yancey County, some areas saw a jaw-dropping 30 inches of rain.

To put things in perspective, nearby reporting stations at Spruce Pine (Mitchell County), Foscoe (Watauga County), and Hendersonville (Henderson County) each reported over 20 inches within that same timeframe. It’s astonishing how just about every single county in western North Carolina cumulatively received at least 10 inches of rain!

Widespread Flooding Concerns

The overwhelming rainfall caused several rivers, including the Broad, Catawba, Swannanoa, and Watauga, to reach or exceed flood levels. Seeing rivers crest above record totals is eye-opening, as communities were submerged in the surrounding area. As we look to the days after Helene, we are starting to see the water recede in some places, providing a bit of comfort to those impacted.

However, while some areas might be drying out, others still face significant challenges. Residents near Mountain Island Lake, Lake Lure, and Mont Holly had to evacuate their homes over the weekend due to the flood threat. Fast forward to Tuesday night, and we find that a few communities are still nursing minor flooding concerns.

Current Flooding Conditions

As of now, the French Broad River south of Asheville remains in a “near flooding” condition, while the Catawba River near Morganton and the Mountain Island Dam in Gaston County also remain in a precarious spot, inching towards the same status. Thankfully, conditions appear to be stabilizing in most other areas near the rivers and dams throughout western North Carolina.

Tragic Toll of the Storm

Behind these numbers and weather updates lies a tragic narrative. The current death toll from Hurricane Helene is more than 160 across affected states, a grim reminder of the storm’s ferocity. As the storm weakened, it still left behind devastation that will take years for some communities to recover from.

Help Is On The Way

Communities that were affected are rallying together, and there’s already an outpouring of support for those in need. Neighbors are reaching out, families are coming together, and many are looking for ways to help their fellow North Carolinians through this tough time.

The road to recovery will require time, patience, and community effort, but together, we believe that Western North Carolina will rise again. Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to check in on your friends and family. Every little bit of kindness helps!