North Toe River Flooding Leaves Downtown Spruce Pine Struggling to Recover

3:39 PM EST |October 25, 2024|Lauren Ramsey|, , , , ,

By: Lauren Ramsey- Wise News Network

Spruce Pine, NC (WNN)- Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina, the mountain town of Spruce Pine faces a decade-long recovery from catastrophic flooding and wind damage that destroyed businesses, homes, and critical infrastructure.

“Helene decided to take a course directly and punch Mitchell County right in the face,” said Spruce Pine local Sherry Sautner, the manager of Spruce Pine Southern Shows and the Spruce Pine Alien Festival . “We weren’t expecting anything but a little bit of flooding and heavy rains.”

Historic Devastation

In Western North Carolina, the storm resulted in approximately 36 inches of rain, accompanied by wind gusts exceeding 100 mph and the potential for tornadoes. According to topographical data, the local river rose by 20 to 30 feet. Flooding in downtown reached at least 8 feet, causing significant damage to numerous historic buildings, including the century-old Carolina Theater, which had been closed for 20 years and was going through the restoration process.

Locust Street in Spruce Pine NC a week after cleanup began. October 3rd, 2024 by William Phillips (WNN).

“It brings men to tears, literally, at the devastation,” Sautner said. “So many homes were flooded out or just totally turned off their foundations and washed away.”

Infrastructure Damage

A ladder being used to hold up communication lines outside of Spruce Pine NC. October 17th, 2024 by Mason Beam (WNN)

“French Broad Electric reported thousands of downed power poles, though they’ve restored service to about 80% of the town’s residents,” Sautner stated. “Every single home in Mitchell County and Yancey was in a flood zone, no matter where they were located. So many homes and towns were just wiped off the face of the earth”.

Human Toll

Officials report at least 98 deaths in North Carolina, with dozens still missing; however, residents believe the toll could be much higher. According to Sautner, an estimated 2,500 families are currently homeless across Mitchell, Yancey, and Buncombe counties.

Economic Impact

According to Sautner, the town is facing a potential 33% unemployment rate after losing significant employers, including Baxter Healthcare, a global supplier of saline solution, and the Ingles grocery store. Floodwaters completely devastated most downtown businesses.

Sherry Sautner interviewing with WNN showing the debris from the shops flooded by the North Toe River in Spruce Pine. October 17th, 2024 by Mason Beam (WNN)

“We are going to be in a lot of trouble here in Spruce Pine if we don’t get back on our feet quickly,” Sautner said. “But Western North Carolina is a very strong place… we’re not going to let this storm beat us.”

Recovery Efforts

The Carolina Theatre after cleaning efforts. It was opened in 1937 and has been undergoing restoration efforts since the early 2000s. October 17th, 2024 by Mason Beam (WNN)

FEMA, the National Guard, and Virginia Search and Rescue teams are actively involved in recovery efforts. Local officials are requesting donations of generators, heating fuel, and other supplies as winter approaches. The town has set up several donation centers at local churches and has established a FEMA office at the senior center.

You can visit the Helene response resources page for additional resources and information: https://www.mitchellcountync.gov/helene-response-resources/

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