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