Hurricane Helene made landfall on September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 storm. Although it hit Florida first, its path through the Southeast brought immense rain and devastating flooding to Western North Carolina, particularly the mountain and foothill regions such as Asheville, Swannanoa, Polk, and Henderson Counties. In just a few days, some areas saw more than 12 inches of rain, causing rivers to overflow, roads to wash out, and landslides to occur. According to the National Park Service, the Blue Ridge Parkway alone suffered thousands of downed trees, multiple landslides, and major damage to infrastructure. Over 200,000 homes and businesses lost power in North Carolina, and emergency services were stretched thin as communities became isolated due to road damage.

Rural and low-income communities in Western North Carolina were hit the hardest. Many residents lacked sufficient insurance or savings, making recovery incredibly difficult. According to The Guardian, FEMA’s aid process was slow and often inadequate, leaving thousands without help for weeks or months. Medical care was limited, and road blockages meant ambulances and emergency supplies had trouble reaching isolated mountain areas. Local businesses, especially in tourism and hospitality, also took a hit, as the Western region lost millions in revenue; restaurants, hotels, and parks were forced to close due to damage or lack of access.

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/event/Hurricane-Helene, https://www.cntraveler.com/story/things-to-do-asheville-north-carolina?utm_source, https://www.dailylobo.com/gallery/photo-story-hurricane-helenes-impact-on-western-north-carolina-two-months-later?utm_source, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/feb/16/hurricane-helene-north-carolina-fema-rebuild, https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/helene-impacts-and-recovery.htm