North Carolina Devastated by Storm Helene, Governor Reports

Extensive Damage and Road Closures

North Carolina's governor has reported that storm Helene has caused significant damage in the state, with "hundreds of roads" destroyed and entire communities "wiped off the map". The storm hit last week and continued over the weekend, causing widespread devastation.

North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, urged people to avoid the area unless they were coming to assist with rescue efforts. He stated that the roads in western North Carolina were closed and sightseers were not welcome. The North Carolina Department of Transportation also issued a warning, stating that "all roads in Western NC should be considered closed to all non-emergency travel".

Evacuation and Recovery Efforts

In the Asheville area, which was particularly affected by the storm, residents seeking to evacuate were advised to use Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 East. However, residents in other areas were instructed to consult local emergency officials before travelling. The mayor of Asheville described the aftermath of the storm as a “post-apocalyptic scene”.

Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer reported seeing "piles of people’s houses that were destroyed. Buildings that were destroyed. Cars overturned.” She also noted that the city was cut off from three of the four major highways into Asheville and that some resources had to be flown in. The recovery from the storm is expected to take a considerable amount of time.

Death Toll and Rescue Operations

The storm claimed the lives of more than 100 people across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams reach isolated towns and telecommunications are restored. In North Carolina alone, some 300 roads were closed and more than 7,000 people have registered for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.

North Carolina was coordinating 92 search-and-rescue teams from 20 states and the federal government, with most efforts focused in the Appalachian Mountains. The storm caused extensive damage in this region, ripping up roads, leveling trees, and tossing homes about.

Power Outages and Presidential Visit

According to PowerOutage.us, nearly 1 million people were left without power in South Carolina and North Carolina. More than 450,000 were without power in Georgia, 73,000 in Virginia, and 64,000 in Florida. In total, the storm knocked out service to about 5.5 million customers.

Storm Helene made landfall on the evening of Sept. 26 in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 “major” hurricane with 140 mile-per-hour winds before it was downgraded. However, the storm produced significant rainfall across the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Georgia. President Joe Biden announced plans to visit North Carolina on Oct. 2 and Georgia and Florida soon after, and may also request a special session of Congress to pass supplemental aid funding.

Bottom Line

This devastating storm has left a significant impact on North Carolina and other states, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The recovery process will likely be long and arduous, but the resilience and determination of the communities affected will undoubtedly shine through. What are your thoughts on this situation? Share this article with your friends and discuss. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.