Severe Flooding Strikes Asheville, North Carolina, Following Hurricane Helene
Floodwaters, driven by the remnants of Hurricane Helene, have left Asheville, North Carolina, the state’s largest mountain city, largely isolated due to damaged roads and widespread power and cellphone outages. The storm has caused significant destruction across the southern Appalachia region, resulting in numerous fatalities and leaving countless families anxious about the safety of their loved ones.
As of Saturday, over 400 roads in North Carolina remained closed, with floodwaters beginning to recede and revealing the extent of the devastation. The state’s governor has announced that emergency supplies are being airlifted to the affected areas.
At least ten fatalities have been confirmed in North Carolina alone, contributing to a total of at least 63 deaths across multiple states due to the storm.
Among the many affected, nurse Janetta Barfield recounted her harrowing experience. After her car became submerged in floodwaters, a nearby police officer came to her rescue. “It was unbelievable how fast that creek rose in just a matter of minutes,” Barfield stated, highlighting the storm’s unpredictable and rapid impact.
As the storm’s impact became evident, many gas stations in Asheville closed due to power outages, and the few that remained open saw long lines of anxious residents. The city, known for its vibrant tourism and arts scene, was eerily quiet as floodwaters inundated popular areas such as Biltmore Village and the River Arts District.
More than 700,000 power customers across North Carolina are without electricity, with significant outages in Buncombe County. Major highways, including Interstate 40 and I-26, are impassable in numerous locations, and the state’s Department of Transportation has advised that “all roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed.”
As Asheville grapples with the aftermath, residents are facing a complete lack of cellphone service, leaving many without a means to communicate. County Emergency Services Director has confirmed the loss of life, but specifics are being withheld as officials struggle to contact next of kin due to the communication outages. In response to the emergency, Asheville police have instituted a curfew to ensure public safety.
Transit services in Asheville have been suspended, and residents have been advised to boil all water intended for consumption due to significant water line breaks caused by the storm. The region has been grappling with a cascade of emergencies, including heavy rainfall, high winds, and mudslides. Local officials have stated that their preparations for the storm were inadequate for the storm’s unprecedented severity.
As residents like Francine Cavanaugh struggle to contact loved ones in the Asheville area, the emotional toll of the storm becomes evident. Cavanaugh has been unable to reach her sister, son, or friends, highlighting the widespread impact of the communication breakdown.
As the region begins to recover, the implications of Hurricane Helene’s devastation are significant. The storm has underscored the need for improved emergency response systems and infrastructure that can withstand such extreme weather events. The emotional and physical toll on the affected communities will be long-lasting, and the need for a comprehensive recovery plan is evident.