2. Who was impacted the most and how?

• Western North Carolina

• At least 149 deaths were reported in NC, Tennessee, and surrounding areas
• Flooding, landslides, and winds destroyed and damaged thousands of homes and businesses
• Loss of water and electricity has resulted in “delay in return to business”
  • Stunting economic 
• Serious and long-term effects due to extensive roadway and bridge damage – delaying relief efforts and rescue response
  • Hurricane Helene Impacts: This website highlights the extensive and lasting impacts of hurricane helene on western north carolina. 

3. Why did it happen?

• Climate change made high sea temperatures and Hurricane Helene was formed in the Gulf of Mexico over record-hot ocean waters
• A stalled cold front pulled in the hurricane’s moisture which caused heavy rain and subsequent flooding in southern us and Appalachian regions 
• Helene makes landfall and brought extreme winds and rainfall, increasing flooding and causing flash floods in some mountainous areas
• The area was built in valleys that were especially vulnerable to rain and flooding
• https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/climate-change-key-driver-of-catastrophic-impacts-of-hurricane-helene-that-devastated-both-coastal-and-inland-communities/: this website highlights the catastrophic impacts of Helene and how it formed