With death toll at 95, Helene is the deadliest tropical storm in NC history
According to a press release from Governor Roy Cooper’s office, 95 people are confirmed dead and 26 remain missing.
Helene
Bryson City is ready to welcome visitors back after Helene, but tourists are still canceling
As much of western North Carolina works to recover from Helene, some business owners say they’re worried about what they’re calling a “second disaster”: the loss of tourism during peak season.
Student mental health is a top priority for western NC educators after Helene
It’s been nearly three weeks since tropical storm Helene hit western North Carolina, flooding homes, washing away roads and upending the rural mountain towns in its path. But throughout this period of upheaval, educators have been working with kids to restore a sense of normalcy — if only for a few hours in the day.
Helene and Milton are both likely to be $50 billion disasters, joining ranks of most costly storms
Monstrous hurricanes Helene and Milton caused so much complex havoc that damages are still being added up, but experts in economics, insurance and risk say they are likely to be in the pantheon of super-costly $50 billion disasters. That would put them in the company of storms like Katrina, Sandy and Harvey. Making those costs even more painful is that most of that damage, particularly in Helene's case, was not insured. Several experts say damages are skyrocketing because people are building in harm's way, reconstruction costs are soaring faster than inflation and human-caused climate change is making storms stronger and wetter.
Displaced App State students face challenges returning to class
Appalachian State University resumed classes today after being closed for a little less than three weeks due to Helene. But for students who lost their homes and belongings in the storm, returning to school isn’t easy.
State urges private well owners to test water after Helene flooding
The state government recommends private well owners and people who use septic systems get them both tested for structural integrity and potential contamination.
FEMA resumes door-to-door visits in North Carolina after threats tied to disinformation
Officials say federal disaster workers have resumed door-to-door visits as part of hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina. The visits were temporarily suspended after reports emerged over the weekend that FEMA employees could be targeted by militia members.
Victims of Helene in North Carolina receive millions in federal grants
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has granted more than $7 million to residents affected by Helene in Avery, Ashe and Watauga counties.
What is FEMA doing in Western North Carolina? An agency spokesperson explains
A FEMA spokesperson discusses what on-the-ground operations look like in Western North Carolina.
Banner Elk works to fix sewer main after damage from Helene
Banner Elk officials still want people to stay off the roads unless travel is essential, and they are asking those who planned to visit in October to reschedule.