Recovery and Travel Advisory for States Impacted by Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has left significant damage across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. While the storm has moved on, the work to rebuild and restore continues. Here’s an update on ongoing efforts, road safety, and resources available to those affected.
North Carolina’s Relief Operations
Western North Carolina remains focused on search and rescue efforts, with teams dedicated to re-establishing essential services and delivering necessary supplies. Governor Roy Cooper underscores the extensive coordination involved, stating, “The response to this crisis so far has been a massive effort of coordination and logistics.” He further noted, “As emergency responders continue search and rescue operations in Western North Carolina, local, state, federal, private and non-profit partners continue to work in concert to provide food, water, shelter and other basic necessities for people in need.”
Travel in the region is hazardous, with approximately 400 roads closed. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) advises avoiding non-essential travel to aid recovery efforts and ensure emergency operations proceed smoothly. Resources deployed include over 1,500 employees, more than 1,500 trucks/graders/backhoes/loaders, 1,000 chainsaws, and over 8,000 barricades and signs.
NCDOT has also coordinated with the NC National Guard for ground operations and air drops. FEMA has begun distributing trailers filled with food and water. Over 20,000 residents have registered for assistance.
Shelters are available at:
- Biltmore Baptist Church, Buncombe County, 35 Clayton Road, Arden, NC 28704
- Grace Community Church, McDowell County, 5182 Highway 70 West, Marion, NC 28752
- First Baptist Church, Watauga County, 375 West King Street, Boone, NC 28607
To date, there have been over 440 rescues and about 4,700 evacuations. The confirmed death toll stands at 42, with expectations it may rise. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies or to report missing persons, contact NC 211 at 1-888-892-1162. For further updates, email the North Carolina Joint Information Center at [email protected] or call 919-825-2599. Additional resources are available at ncdps.gov/helene.
Recovery in Tennessee
Governor Bill Lee recently toured East Tennessee to survey the storm’s damage, highlighting the community’s resilience. “Maria and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life and severe flood damage in East Tennessee,” he said. “We continue to pray alongside Tennesseans as we endure this heartbreaking tragedy.”
With numerous roads and bridges impacted in Upper East Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) warns that all routes should be treated as hazardous. Key structures like the Washingotn SR-81 Nolichucky River Bridge, Washington SR-353 Nolichucky River Bridge, Greene SR-107 Nolichucky River Bridge, Unicoi I-26 Bridge @MM 39.6 Eastbound, Unicoi I-26 Bridge @MM 39.6 Westbound face long-term closures due to extensive damage.
TDOT has mobilized around 400 team members to restore critical infrastructure, ensuring access to hospitals and shelters. For real-time updates, visit SmartWay or call 511.
Georgia’s Path to Recovery
Georgia’s recovery efforts focus on clearing debris and restoring road safety. Numerous routes are blocked by debris or downed power lines, and over 100 traffic signals, mainly in Lowndes County, were damaged. Scott Chambers, GDOT Southwest District Engineer, reassured, “We’re in pretty good shape.” Crews are actively clearing routes and restoring signals, with temporary stop signs in place at affected intersections.
Residents should treat malfunctioning traffic signals as four-way stops. GDOT is using larger contractor trailers to expedite debris removal. For local street debris removal inquiries, contact your local Emergency Management Agency.
Efforts to recover from Hurricane Helene continue across North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. Residents are urged to stay informed through local agencies and remain patient as recovery progresses. Visit local emergency management websites for the latest updates and assistance options.
