GREENSBORO, N.C. — Helene was one of the worst storms to hit Western North Carolina in history. This was a 1000+ rainfall event for the mountains. Devastating flooding will leave a lasting impact to the mountains and High Country for years to come. Power outages are widespread and roads remain blocked or washed out. NCDOT has advised everyone to not attempt travelling in the area and that emergency vehicles and rescue crews need access for emergency purposes.
How much rain fell across western NC?
Here are the rainfall totals starting 8AM Tuesday, September 24 through 8AM Saturday, September 28th, following the departure of Hurricane Helene. Rainfall amounts in most areas stayed in the 10-20" range, but a few places caught even more rain. Busick, NC in Yancey county recorded almost 31" of rain over the period.
With oversaturated soils, flooding became much easier across the area. This caused landslides, mudslides, interstates and roads to be washed out, and even homes to be swept away. Not only was rainfall catastrophic, but max wind gusts in a few areas of the high country reported over 100mph from Helene. Search and rescue operations are underway across western NC with supplies being brought into the region by air.
Flooding from Helene was greater than Tropical Storm Fred in August of 2021, the mountains in 2004 from Frances and Ivan, and in Upstate SC the Saluda River Basin flooding from 1949. Keep those in western NC in your thoughts and prayers, as many are still without basic needs.
