Thursday, October 1, 2026
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North Carolina, (WNN)- Just a year ago, Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina hard. Many communities are still feeling the impact. It landed near Perry, Florida, on September 26, 2024, and then moved northward. It brought severe winds and heavy rain to the western part of the Carolinas.
When it reached Cherryville and the nearby Piedmont area early on September 27, gusts hit almost 60 mph, and some places saw over 8 inches of rain in just 24 hours. Many lost power, and roads were blocked due to fallen trees and flooding.
Linemen from High Point, NC, repairing power poles in Cherryville, NC, after Hurricane Helene - September 28th, 2024
Rusty Wise (WNN)
After the storm hit, there were flash flood warnings and tornado alerts, and many lost power and communication. People were told to find shelter, steer clear of driving, and prepare for possible landslides and extended outages.
Spruce Pine, NC, after Hurricane Helene on lower street (Locust St) - October 3rd, 2024
Rusty Wise (WNN)
The damage to infrastructure was overwhelming. The North Carolina Department of Transportation reported almost 9,400 impacted locations, including 1,467 blocked roads and several isolated communities. They checked every bridge and highway that could’ve been affected since landslides, slope failures, and washed-out roads made many areas unsafe. Emergency services such as the Cherryville Fire Department quickly set up shelter locations and worked with volunteers to handle the increased demand.
Wise News Network set up with Satellite service for other media outlets and residents to use in Swannanoa, NC, after Hurricane Helene- October 3rd, 2024
Rusty Wise (WNN)
Water and sewer systems were hit, particularly in smaller North Carolina mountain towns like Spruce Pine. Mayor Phillip Hise described the town’s recovery: “It’s hard to prioritize because so much is so bad…Nobody expected 30–40 feet of water…there’s no way you could have prepared for that.” Even weeks after the disaster, Spruce Pine still operated with minor water restoration and had to rely on mobile sewer plants to manage the aftermath. Communication systems were down for the first two weeks, making it difficult to coordinate relief efforts.
Hurricane Helene’s death toll was awful. More than 100 lives were lost as floodwaters, falling trees, and landslides battered the region. More than 73,000 homes in western North Carolina were damaged or destroyed, forcing many to seek new shelter. For Cherryville and communities in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the storm brought hardship and hope, as neighbors checked in on one another and local officials coordinated aid efforts with outside agencies and engineering firms.
One of the many damaged roadways in Swannanona, NC, when Hurricane Helene hit. October 3rd, 2024
Rusty Wise (WNN)
Local officials are asking the state to take another look at disaster recovery systems to meet both urgent and ongoing needs. Earlier this month, at the opening of NCDOT’s annual transportation summit in Raleigh, North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein said that 97% of the impacted roads have been reopened. However, he pointed out that we still need to focus on permanent repairs and upgrades. Full recovery costs are estimated to approach $5 billion.
Josh Stein, North Carolina Governor
Public Domain
“While we recognize all the work that remains — and there is a great amount of work yet to do — it is nevertheless astounding to think of the progress that we’ve made in this recovery in just under a year since Helene hit.”
In 2025, North Carolina's recovery took a new turn, although it's still a bit hit or miss in different areas. Federal and state agencies, like FEMA and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, have been working to open roads, rebuild housing, and fix critical infrastructure. By September 2025, almost 97% of the affected roads and 96% of water systems in western North Carolina were operational again. All 13 state parks that had to close have reopened at least partially. According to the USDA, 97% of forest roads and 93% of trails in Pisgah and Nantahala national forests are accessible again.
Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC, after Hurricane Helene - October 3rd, 2024
Rusty Wise (WNN)
You can see the progress in places like Asheville, but other towns like Swannanoa and Spruce Pine will take longer to rebuild. In Swannanoa, the grocery store is still closed, and the post office has never reopened, meaning residents have to depend on nearby cities for their needs. Currently, over 6,800 people in western North Carolina are still relying on rental assistance or living in trailers while waiting for more permanent solutions. Local fundraising efforts have been underway in places like Mitchell County and Spruce Pine. Neighbors have been pitching in to help clear debris, provide fresh food, and support local businesses still trying to get back on their feet.
This September, communities across North Carolina are coming together to remember and honor the impact of Hurricane Helene. Many have shared their experiences, highlighted the kindness they've seen, and reflected on the lessons they've learned from the storm. Although most roads and power have been restored, some debris and the emotional scars left behind remain.
A car in Swannanoa, NC, after Hurricane Helene, showing #WNC Strong and God's Not Dead written in the mud - October 3rd, 2024
Rusty Wise (WNN)
As the state continues its recovery, local voices emphasize the importance of compassion, innovative recovery planning, and maintaining hope. The anniversary of Hurricane Helene is a strong reminder of how vulnerable the region can be and its remarkable ability to unite in times of need.
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