/live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates Initial impacts from Helene — which hit the Carolinas as a tropical storm — are over. Emergency workers toiled around the clock to clear roads, restore power and phone service, and reach people stranded by the storm, which killed at least 133 people across the Southeast, a toll expected to rise. en-US Copyright Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:06:27 GMT /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#western-north-carolina-businesses-hope-tourism-will-bounce-back This holiday season, WNC tourism-based businesses are holding out hope that visitors from across North Carolina and other states will plan trips and… Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:06:27 GMT 00000193-685d-d777-a7fb-f87fa9650000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-county-launches-new-helene-spending-dashboard The Buncombe County government on Monday launched a new website tracking the money it has spent related to Hurricane Helene.The website allows users to… Mon, 25 Nov 2024 22:11:33 GMT 00000193-6561-d572-afd7-6fef460f0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#boil-water-notice-lifted-asheville-water-service-restored-and-safe-officials-say After a 53-day water crisis, clean water runs through Asheville’s taps once more.Asheville lifted its boil water notice this morning, city spokesperson… Mon, 18 Nov 2024 17:08:12 GMT 00000193-403f-d135-a5d7-4c7f09d30000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#pending-tests-asheville-could-have-drinkable-water-in-homes-next-week Asheville residents could have drinkable water in their taps as early as Wednesday of next week. Water Resources spokesperson Clay Chandler said the city… Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:32:58 GMT 00000193-30e2-db15-abb3-71efa06c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#house-damaged-by-helene-fema-might-buy-it A FEMA program is offering money and home renovation services to help property owners in the flood plain.FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program offers options… Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:28:16 GMT 00000193-30de-d91e-aff7-ffff55d80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#u-s-forest-service-to-use-emergency-powers-for-helene-recovery The U.S. Forest Service announced on Wednesday it will be using its emergency action authority to address the problems caused by Hurricane Helene, many of… Thu, 14 Nov 2024 22:26:30 GMT 00000193-2cc9-dff4-a99b-2ecd04570000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#nc-will-update-helene-fatality-count-twice-per-week-102-victims-confirmed-so-far After close to five weeks of daily or twice-daily updates, North Carolina officials say they'll reduce the frequency (to two days per week) of updates to… Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:10:19 GMT 00000193-079b-da35-aff3-37db04260000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#brevard-to-grant-permits-for-residents-snagged-by-floodplain-regulations-post-helene Brevard's City Council will try a rarely-used procedure to help a neighborhood of about two dozen families who live in trailers near the French Broad… Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:10:08 GMT 00000193-079a-d40a-afbb-b79ed9470000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#a-skatepark-serves-community-as-life-on-the-nc-tn-border-still-feels-very-cut-off Tennessee residents along the state line are often deeply interconnected with North Carolina. In Mountain City and Trade, the nearest major city is Boone,… Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:43:31 GMT 00000193-074b-d76b-afb7-7f5b8f1b0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#state-officials-report-10th-victim-in-henderson-county-102-killed-statewide On Nov. 6, officials with the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office added to its Helene fatality count a tenth victim who died in Henderson County. The… Wed, 06 Nov 2024 18:12:45 GMT 00000193-02ad-dd0b-af9f-c7add2770000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#helene-damaged-one-fifth-of-wnc-national-forests-authorities-say As the scale of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene continues to come into focus, federal officials say the storm damaged one-fifth of the… Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:09:30 GMT 00000192-f7f0-dd0b-af9e-f7f542940000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#change-in-frequency-of-fatality-reporting-no-new-victims-recorded-in-2-days North Carolina state officials who are tracking Helene casualties and sharing information with the public say they'll continue daily updates Monday to… Fri, 01 Nov 2024 21:01:30 GMT 00000192-e988-dc00-adff-fbaa87520000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#six-miles-of-blue-ridge-parkway-near-mount-pisgah-reopens The National Park Service has reopened six more miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.The newly reopened stretch… Fri, 01 Nov 2024 17:22:57 GMT 00000192-e8c0-dbf1-a1bf-eafb6dbc0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#city-of-asheville-parking-to-remain-free-government-committees-paused-until-2025 Street parking and parking in city-owned garages in Asheville will remain free, City Manager Debra Campbell announced at the community briefing on… Wed, 30 Oct 2024 22:01:36 GMT 00000192-df72-d384-a7d7-df73d4a80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#officials-link-2-more-wnc-deaths-to-helene-total-now-at-101-victims In an update Wednesday, the state Medical Examiner's Office reported two additional fatalities — both of which occurred weeks back in Western North… Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:05:04 GMT 00000192-ddbe-dbd8-a1df-ddbe8d6f0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-county-experiences-uptick-in-gastrointestinal-illness-due-to-helene Cases of gastroenteritis have increased in Buncombe County in October as a result of Hurricane Helene, County Medical Director Dr. Jennifer Mullendore… Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:11:30 GMT 00000192-dbd6-d9b1-a3f2-dfd70bcf0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#dogwood-health-trust-approves-20m-in-additional-recovery-relief-grants-locally Dogwood Health Trust announced this week a second round of major philanthropic funding for Western North Carolina hurricane recovery and relief. The board… Tue, 29 Oct 2024 15:28:26 GMT 00000192-d8e4-d08a-ad9a-faf583040000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#death-toll-rises-to-99-in-north-carolina The recent death of a Henderson County man — who state officials say died when he fell from a tree during cleanup — brought the total number of confirmed… Mon, 28 Oct 2024 14:56:32 GMT 00000192-d3a0-dde5-abbf-fbe5eff70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#new-fema-disaster-recovery-centers-in-buncombe-and-swain-counties FEMA opened two new Disaster Recovery Centers for people in Buncombe and Swain counties to get face-to-face assistance on applying for FEMA relief.… Mon, 28 Oct 2024 03:37:35 GMT 00000192-d133-d52e-ad96-d1735baf0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#u-s-agricultural-secretary-visits-local-farms-and-promises-the-government-is-there-for-the-long-haul From toxic soil to erosion, farmers in western North Carolina are dealing with many challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Some of the more long-term… Fri, 25 Oct 2024 22:09:54 GMT 00000192-c5ba-d24d-abde-e5fa9f7d0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#legislature-requires-additional-early-voting-sites-in-wnc The North Carolina General Assembly voted Thursday to require each county board of elections to open at least one early voting site for every 30,000… Fri, 25 Oct 2024 21:36:55 GMT 00000192-c59c-de87-a1f2-dfbd6f580000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#some-water-from-tunnel-road-and-charlotte-highway-should-be-treated-as-nonpotable Residents who received unlabeled half-gallon bottles of water with green loids from the Tunnel Road and Charlotte Highway distribution sites should not… Fri, 25 Oct 2024 15:11:01 GMT 00000192-c43b-dbd9-a1b2-d7bf21040000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#ncdhhs-extends-d-snap-applications-for-one-day-to-friday-oct-25 The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced in a press release on Thursday, a one-day extension for those in Alexander,… Thu, 24 Oct 2024 21:22:34 GMT 00000192-c068-d2a6-abbe-c97aeda40000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#asheville-fema-disaster-recovery-center-to-move-locations-yancey-and-madison-counties-to-host-new-disaster-recovery-centers The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced several changes to the locations of its Disaster Recovery Centers, or DRCs. The centers provide… Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:22:36 GMT 00000192-bbe7-df3f-a1fa-bbff65f00000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#d-snap-applicants-unable-to-get-phone-interviews-as-deadline-for-food-assistance-approaches Update: The state Department of Health and Human Services issued a statement late Wednesday afternoon instructing that applicants may go to any D-SNAP… Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:28:44 GMT 00000192-baa3-df3f-a1fa-babf6e8e0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#no-timeline-for-reopening-of-much-of-blue-ridge-parkway There is no timeline for reopening the Asheville portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway as crews continue to address storm damage, National Park Service… Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:57:03 GMT 00000192-ba86-d705-a7d7-bebe6b480000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#small-businesses-in-transylvania-co-can-apply-for-help-from-local-relief-fund The Transylvania Business Support Task Force is accepting applications for their relief fund until Monday, Nov. 4. Applications can be found online at… Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:14:50 GMT 00000192-ba5f-d9d7-afdf-beffc39b0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#the-city-pauses-debris-processing-near-deaverview-and-public-golf-course-but-says-it-could-be-reactivated-if-necessary The City of Asheville has walked back a controversial plan to process storm debris from Hurricane Helene near a public housing complex.The two city-owned… Tue, 22 Oct 2024 21:27:12 GMT 00000192-b620-d9d7-afdf-bef173500000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#cooper-to-present-nc-legislators-with-new-helene-recovery-fund-requests As the state General Assembly returns to session this Thursday, the recently passed $273 million Hurricane Helene relief bill may seem like a drop in the… Tue, 22 Oct 2024 20:40:16 GMT 00000192-b5f5-df3f-a1fa-bdfd7e450000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#some-businesses-childcare-centers-permitted-to-reopen-under-buncombe-emergency-ops-plan Through Buncombe County's newly streamlined emergency operations plan, businesses - including restaurants, bars and childcare centers - have been given… Tue, 22 Oct 2024 18:43:58 GMT 00000192-b58b-d1e6-a5db-ffeb02360000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#fema-leader-says-agency-needs-congress-continued-support-to-rebuild-wnc Head of FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell visited Asheville on Monday with Gov. Roy Cooper. So far the agency has spent $1.4 billion in North Carolina… Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:54:49 GMT 00000192-b55e-d680-adf6-fd7f029d0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#in-a-visit-that-caused-road-closures-and-delays-trump-criticizes-federal-hurricane-response At a campaign stop in Swannanoa on Monday afternoon, Former President Donald Trump surveyed the damage from Hurricane Helene and pledged his support to… Tue, 22 Oct 2024 14:03:56 GMT 00000192-b48a-d1e6-a5db-feeba1620000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-county-government-resuming-regular-operations-where-possible Buncombe County government services will reopen with regular business hours on Wednesday, Oct. 23.The reopening comes with the exception of most parks and… Mon, 21 Oct 2024 21:58:01 GMT 00000192-b116-d71b-adbb-ffff4ea70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#trump-in-swannanoa-expresses-faith-in-north-carolina-election-results-post-helene At a campaign stop in storm-damaged Swannanoa on Monday, former President Donald Trump said he has no reason to doubt the upcoming election results out of… Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:32:50 GMT 00000192-b091-d229-a3b7-b4d562a60000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-sheriff-adjusts-fatality-count-officials-report-95-deaths-in-nc As of Oct. 21., based on official reporting from the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office, there have been 95 confirmed fatalities from Hurricane… Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:41:42 GMT 00000192-b062-d383-adfa-b9f694da0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#as-buncombe-county-libraries-remain-closed-patrons-may-get-materials-from-henderson-and-madison-counties All Buncombe County public libraries remain closed following Hurricane Helene, except library locations that are early voting sites.Patrons who hold a… Mon, 21 Oct 2024 17:13:34 GMT 00000192-b011-d7cc-a197-b255e5fc0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-courthouse-reopens Now that bathrooms are operational, the Buncombe County Courthouse is open for regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, starting Monday. All water in… Mon, 21 Oct 2024 16:51:06 GMT 00000192-affd-d229-a3b7-bffd545a0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#n-c-106-dillard-road-closing-for-3-months-to-repair-washed-out-thoroughfare North Carolina DOT will close N.C. 106 (Dillard Road) beginning Saturday, October 19. Warwoman Road to N.C. 28 is an alternative route to Highlands while… Sat, 19 Oct 2024 16:29:20 GMT 00000192-a59c-da0e-a392-a5dfaf270000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#deq-offers-emergency-water-system-repair-loans-to-local-governments The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is offering initial emergency loans to 20 local governments for emergency projects to rehabilitate… Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:44:42 GMT 00000192-a0f2-d9f7-a1f6-a7fa3e7c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#white-house-announces-new-funding-for-grid-resilience-prioritizing-rural-electric-cooperatives Helene left millions out of power, with a few thousand outages still remaining in WNC. Part of the issue is that much of our electric grid is not built to… Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:06:04 GMT 00000192-a0ce-d1c6-adde-eedee1e40000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-county-school-system-announces-reopening-date Buncombe County students will return to classrooms in one week. The Buncombe County Board of Education approved a reopening plan for the county school… Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:58:58 GMT 00000192-a091-d60d-a5be-e29d6ecd0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#college-application-fees-waived-for-students-in-hurricane-affected-counties Many colleges in North Carolina are waiving application fees for students from 39 disaster-declared counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,… Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:24:39 GMT 00000192-9d03-d543-a3b3-ff6f20400000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#davidson-river-campground-and-some-pisgah-national-forest-sites-reopening-after-hurricane-helene Several campgrounds in the Pisgah National Forest are opening Friday after Hurricane Helene.Reopening on October 18:• Davidson River Campground &… Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:24:18 GMT 00000192-9d02-d1c6-adde-ff96cc480000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#fatality-report-from-nc-officials-shows-no-recent-increase-some-still-unaccounted-for As of Wednesday evening, there's been a two-day stretch where no additional deaths from Helene have been recorded by state officials who are tracking… Wed, 16 Oct 2024 22:41:45 GMT 00000192-977e-d60d-a5be-f7ff90b50000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#unemployment-benefits-increase-by-executive-order Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order today mandating the increase of weekly unemployment benefits from maximum of $350 a week to a maximum of $600 a… Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:07:03 GMT 00000192-9727-d19a-a39b-bf77dbb40000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#haywood-co-update-supply-center-hours-change-curfew-still-enforced Hours of operations at Canton's supply distribution center (IP Sports Complex) have changed. And the center needs supplies donated specifically for winter… Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:24:36 GMT 00000192-9693-ddba-a9b3-b7bb23630000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#henderson-co-update-20-000-people-apply-for-fema-aid-official-assistance-center-open Henderson County has been assessing property damage. Over 700 homes had at least 18 inches of water inside — that’s what FEMA qualifies as major damage.… Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:59:00 GMT 00000192-967b-d19a-a39b-bf7baf3d0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#help-to-buy-groceries-disaster-snap-benefits-available-for-region Around $120 million in D-SNAP benefits will be available for western North Carolina residents, starting Friday.These benefits will provide individuals or… Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:27:14 GMT 00000192-965e-d2a9-abfb-d75f9a9a0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#thousands-in-wnc-still-without-internet-and-wireless-service As Western North Carolina continues to recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, thousands in the region remain without internet, cable, or cell… Wed, 16 Oct 2024 16:33:43 GMT 00000192-962d-d60d-a5be-f6bd9b980000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#as-ashevilles-water-is-trickling-back-advice-from-a-plumber As Asheville's water slowly turns back on, it's running through our faucets with a mixture of sediment and chlorine - not necessarily great for household… Wed, 16 Oct 2024 13:31:02 GMT 00000192-9586-d60d-a5be-f79f5b520000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#cell-towers-not-restored-in-41-of-yancey-county In nine Western North Carolina counties, almost 86% of cell service has been restored, leaving the remaining 14% of cell towers not operational according… Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:58:51 GMT 00000192-9568-da6b-afbb-b56ae0ec0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#verizon-outage-in-western-north-carolina Overnight in Western North Carolina a fiber optic wire was cut, causing many in the region to lose cellular service.Verizon confirmed that the cut has… Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:22:36 GMT 00000192-916a-dfc9-aff6-bd6fec680000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#water-returns-to-downtown-asheville Water is slowly but surely moving through the city’s system and it reached downtown Asheville on Monday afternoon.Water has also reached Swannanoa, parts… Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:11:02 GMT 00000192-9129-d5d5-abf3-d7fd68150000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#disaster-snap-available-soon-for-helene-survivors The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made disaster SNAP benefits available for residents of western North Carolina (as well as affected… Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:09:13 GMT 00000192-9127-d2a9-abfb-d12fc0a50000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#gov-cooper-and-fema-officials-condemn-misinformation-and-vow-to-continue-offering-assistance-in-western-north-carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell condemned the misinformation spread online about the government’s response to Hurricane Helene in… Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:41:11 GMT 00000192-910e-d2a9-abfb-d10f15530000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#asheville-schools-will-reopen-at-end-of-the-month Asheville City Schools plans to reopen all schools on Monday, Oct. 28.This news was announced at an Asheville City Schools board meeting on Monday night… Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:27:15 GMT 00000192-9101-da99-abdf-b52552860000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#emergency-funds-available-for-wnc-nonprofits-doing-disaster-relief The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Dogwood Health Trust, and WNC Bridge Foundation are leading a coordinated relief effort across 18… Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:09:25 GMT 00000192-904c-dfc9-aff6-bc6f33f30000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#transylvania-county-update-no-deaths-reported-fema-center-to-open-soon In Transylvania County, crews rescued 81 people, including 60 in a single neighborhood, after Hurricane Helene. Despite widespread devastation and three… Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:06:17 GMT 00000192-9049-da99-abdf-b56d55e30000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#state-and-federal-officials-pledge-to-continue-fema-action-despite-threats FEMA officials will continue their work of helping Hurricane Helene victims recover from the disaster despite recent threats against agency staff. In a… Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:20:28 GMT 00000192-8d1e-dc44-affe-df3f58f10000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#state-reports-a-total-of-125-fatalities-in-north-carolina-including-3-local-children In an update on Monday afternoon, officials with the North Carolina Medical Examiner's Office reported one more death has been confirmed connected to… Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:14:13 GMT 00000192-8d18-d60d-a5be-ef9d9e2f0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#rutherford-county-man-arrested-in-connection-with-threat-against-fema-workers-in-north-carolina A 44-year-old man from Bostic, N.C., was arrested Saturday after deputies say they received a report he "had an assault rifle and made the comment about… Mon, 14 Oct 2024 22:05:25 GMT 00000192-8d10-da99-abdf-bd3499ff0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#600-roads-reopened-since-helene-major-closures-will-continue-ncdot-says The state Department of Transportation has crews repairing the damage that Helene wrought on infrastructure, including roads and bridges in Western North… Mon, 14 Oct 2024 20:38:07 GMT 00000192-8cc0-dfb1-afbb-8deaa63c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#duke-energy-enters-longer-term-rebuild-phase-for-power-restoration Over 14,000 Duke Energy customers in Western North Carolina remain without power after Helene. The majority of these remaining outages include:Buncombe -… Mon, 14 Oct 2024 16:02:46 GMT 00000192-8bc4-d2a9-abfb-cbcd8e560000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#fema-opening-recovery-center-in-henderson Henderson County has secured a location for a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).The DRC will be located at 2111 Asheville Highway in Hendersonville and… Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:14:29 GMT 00000192-8b98-dfb1-afbb-8bba5aad0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#fema-officials-make-adjustments-after-reports-of-safety-concerns This post was updated with additional information from a FEMA spokesperson. Some FEMA disaster assistance operations changed plans over the weekend after… Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:30:49 GMT 00000192-8838-dfb1-afbb-893a62d10000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#nc-officials-report-124-confirmed-deaths-from-hurricane-helene The latest information available shows 124 people died in North Carolina during the floods, landslides, and aftermath of the disaster.Officials confirmed… Sun, 13 Oct 2024 23:07:41 GMT 00000192-8823-dc44-affe-da3f38100000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#jobs-in-disaster-cleanup-may-become-available-but-they-could-be-dangerous On Friday, the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration announced 25 North Carolina counties will receive up to $10 million in funding… Sun, 13 Oct 2024 22:14:00 GMT 00000192-87f2-da99-abdf-b7f613040000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#unca-moving-to-online-coursework-for-remainder-of-the-fall-2024-semester The University of North Carolina Asheville has announced it will move all coursework online for the rest of the Fall 2024 semester.“We are certain that… Sun, 13 Oct 2024 22:09:44 GMT 00000192-87ee-d19a-a39b-bfff29970000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#asheville-housing-authority-still-asking-residents-for-october-rent Shortly after Helene devastated the region’s infrastructure, shorting out utilities and wiping out key infrastructure, Asheville’s Housing Authority… Sat, 12 Oct 2024 23:11:37 GMT 00000192-8300-dfb1-afbb-832a762c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#department-of-veteran-affairs-secretary-denis-mcdonough-said-about-92-of-vulnerable-veterans-had-been-contacted Asheville’s Veterans Affairs hospital is running on emergency water but has been able to see patients, Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Denis… Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:10:36 GMT 00000192-82c8-d60d-a5be-e2dd995c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#no-additional-fatalities-confirmed-saturday-123-fatalities-in-nc There were no additional fatalities confirmed by North Carolina authorities on Saturday, Oct. 12, and search and rescue efforts and recovery continue… Sat, 12 Oct 2024 22:04:35 GMT 00000192-82c3-dfb1-afbb-83eb1b230000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-schools-share-update-on-fatalities-reopening-plans-and-unaccounted-students At an emergency meeting on Friday, the Buncombe County School Board heard a somber update on the status of its students and facilities.Superintendent Rob… Sat, 12 Oct 2024 21:54:48 GMT 00000192-82ba-d19a-a39b-bbfb20ab0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#u-s-secretary-of-transportation-pete-buttigieg-says-north-carolina-will-be-rebuilt-with-more-resilience More than 120 people lost their lives when Hurricane Helene devastated 25 counties in Western North Carolina. Fallen trees, landslides and mudslides… Sat, 12 Oct 2024 21:41:19 GMT 00000192-82ad-dfc9-aff6-beafc8630000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#progress-at-north-fork-reservoir-but-boil-water-directive-remains Asheville's broken water system took one step closer to repair as crews were able to connect a 36-inch bypass line at the North Fork Reservoir. The move… Sat, 12 Oct 2024 20:16:58 GMT 00000192-8260-d5d5-abf3-c6fd90b00000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#nc-officials-report-two-additional-deaths-in-yancey-co-123-fatalities-in-nc Two more people have been confirmed dead in Yancey County the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Haywood County, North Carolina authorities reported on… Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:46:33 GMT 00000192-7d55-da99-abdf-7d754be70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#city-water-takes-unique-approach-to-restoring-service With high levels of sediment still clouding the water at the North Fork reservoir, water resource officials are turning to unusual tactics. "A private… Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:49:38 GMT 00000192-7d21-d2a9-abfb-7d2d31fe0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#lawyers-offer-free-assistance-with-fema-applications Asheville-based attorneys are stepping up to help people fill out FEMA disaster assistance forms through November 27.The law firm of Fisher Stark PA is… Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:23:11 GMT 00000192-7d08-d2a9-abfb-7d0df6d00000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#major-milestone-for-water-restoration-in-asheville-timeline-still-unclear Asheville leaders say they've completed an important step in water system repairs. The city has been burning midnight oil to fix its mangled water… Fri, 11 Oct 2024 01:43:52 GMT 00000192-793f-deed-a5f6-ffbf223d0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#nantahala-national-forest-will-open-oct-11 Some parts of the Nantahala National Forest will open Friday, October 11.In the Cheoah Ranger District, Nantahala Ranger District, Tusquitee Ranger… Thu, 10 Oct 2024 22:37:30 GMT 00000192-7894-d8b7-a3b7-fb9580a70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#nc-officials-report-additional-death-in-haywood-co-senior-who-died-after-flooding A 72-year-old woman in Haywood County was killed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Haywood County, North Carolina authorities reported on Thursday.… Thu, 10 Oct 2024 20:53:57 GMT 00000192-7835-d982-a3ba-7c3fb1d20000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-county-courts-operate-on-reduced-schedule-district-attorney-says Buncombe County courts are operating on a very reduced schedule, Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams told BPR. "Do not fret about missing a… Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:33:15 GMT 00000192-76d9-d18e-a59b-fedf26fc0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#understanding-how-deaths-are-accounted-for-in-western-north-carolina For several weeks, the state's official fatality count was lower than the number of deaths reported by BPR and other sources. That's because Buncombe… Thu, 10 Oct 2024 14:03:52 GMT 00000192-76be-d5ec-a9ff-76be439f0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#car-wash-facilities-in-south-asheville-are-open-operating-even-under-water-conservation-alert As the majority of Asheville residents continue to struggle without water, some car wash facilities in South Asheville are open and operating … counter to… Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:25:39 GMT 00000192-73d1-d216-a3b7-f3d537630000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#hurricane-helene-killed-120-people-in-north-carolina The NC Department of Health and Human Services reported one additional fatality today.Hurricane Helene killed 120 people in North Carolina to date.Local… Wed, 09 Oct 2024 23:40:32 GMT 00000192-73a7-deed-a5f6-f7a7dea60000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#grove-park-inn-watering-golf-course-with-pond-water-not-city-water-official-says Sprinklers running at a local luxury hotel upset some observers as the city of Asheville (and beyond) are without municipal water service close to two… Wed, 09 Oct 2024 20:59:42 GMT 00000192-7314-d982-a3ba-771e9d5c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#asheville-school-system-to-start-digging-its-own-wells Local schools will start digging their own well water systems in order to bring school services back online.“We can’t wait until the [municipal water… Wed, 09 Oct 2024 19:01:45 GMT 00000192-72a8-d216-a3b7-f2aca1af0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#black-mountain-water-cannot-be-consumed-system-ties-into-asheville-supply-for-repairs Water service will connect between Black Mountain and Asheville for the purpose of starting repairs - do not drink the water, officials warn. Starting… Wed, 09 Oct 2024 18:43:32 GMT 00000192-7297-d531-ab93-72f7f1280000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#postal-services-resume The United States Postal Service is resuming service to many routes in Western North Carolina, according to a statement released by the agency late… Wed, 09 Oct 2024 01:49:33 GMT 00000192-6ef7-dfdc-a1be-ffff9ec50000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-county-announces-early-voting-sites Buncombe County Board of Elections announced modifications to the early election sites because of Hurricane Helene. An emergency resolution of the State… Tue, 08 Oct 2024 23:11:47 GMT 00000192-6e67-d500-adfb-6eff2cbd0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#120-deaths-across-north-carolina-how-the-state-is-counting-fatalities Among the 120 people killed in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene, one more person has been confirmed dead in Avery County.State officials issued an… Tue, 08 Oct 2024 22:16:43 GMT 00000192-6e34-d606-ab9f-6f75c33c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#macon-county-damage-assessment-shows-55-houses-need-to-be-repaired-following-helene-2-are-uninhabitable Macon County Emergency Management announced Tuesday that it has finished the damage assessment in the county following Helene.The county fared better than… Tue, 08 Oct 2024 15:22:02 GMT 00000192-6cb9-db83-a5df-7dbb1cf80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#great-smoky-mountains-national-park-roads-open-overnight-commercial-traffic-is-illegal-in-the-park US 441/Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is open 24 hours a day. The park was forced to close overnight due to illegal,… Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:21:11 GMT 00000192-6c81-db83-a5df-7d9b62f80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#mountain-bizworks-launches-small-business-emergency-fund Mountain Bizworks, a regional nonprofit that provides loans and training to small businesses, is launching a rapid recovery loan program to assist Western… Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:10:24 GMT 00000192-6c77-d500-adfb-6eff87ed0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#deq-no-injuries-found-amid-reports-of-wnc-chemical-contamination-in-floodwaters-mud After multiple viral posts on social media concerning potential chemical exposure, volunteers and residents engaged in Helene cleanup have begun to worry… Mon, 07 Oct 2024 22:55:45 GMT 00000192-6932-d500-adfb-6ffa209d0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#uncertain-timeline-for-the-remainder-of-dukes-power-restorations Many Duke customers are still without power. As of midday Monday, 96% of customers in Madison County were still without electricity, along with 65% in… Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:26:22 GMT 00000192-68a9-d500-adfb-6efb61760000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#all-election-offices-are-open-in-north-carolina-bipartisan-approval-for-voting-accommodations The North Carolina Board of Elections Board approved additional support and solutions to ensure voting accessibility in 13 counties in Western North… Mon, 07 Oct 2024 18:16:53 GMT 00000192-6832-d787-a79f-6dbfd6c20000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#congressman-provides-update-on-fema-response-and-more On Monday, Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards - whose congressional district encompasses most of Western North Carolina - provided an update on disaster… Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:44:40 GMT 00000192-6815-d3f7-abde-7fdf54280000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#119-deaths-across-north-carolina-so-far-2-caused-by-lack-of-basic-necessities-officials-report Among the 119 people killed in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene are at least two people who were found dead after recovery from the floods commenced… Mon, 07 Oct 2024 15:04:06 GMT 00000192-6782-d3f7-abde-77cb53080000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#rescue-teams-continue-to-find-survivors-bipartisan-leaders-detail-on-the-ground-response Highlighting the ongoing search and rescue effort in Helene's aftermath, Western North Carolina's Republican congressman shared an update Monday,… Mon, 07 Oct 2024 12:10:17 GMT 00000192-66e3-d606-ab9f-6fe333400000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-waste-pick-up-resumes Waste Pro collection service, the provider for Buncombe County, is resuming pick up for regular Monday route customers that are accessible. Residents can… Mon, 07 Oct 2024 11:56:29 GMT 00000192-66d6-dfdc-a1be-f7de90f80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#black-mountain-authorities-move-from-search-and-rescue-to-recovery Black Mountain authorities have moved their work from search and rescue to recovery. Some people in Black Mountain continue to shelter in place, with… Sun, 06 Oct 2024 22:00:32 GMT 00000192-63d9-db83-a5df-7fdb41340000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#road-closure-in-biltmore-village The City of Asheville announced a road closure effect through October 13, 2024. Hendersonville Road/Biltmore Avenue will be closed from All Souls Crescent… Sun, 06 Oct 2024 18:21:54 GMT 00000192-6311-d358-a793-e3330dd80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#asheville-now-offering-nonpotable-water Asheville's food and water distribution locations now have nonpotable water, or grey water, which can be used for flushing toilets. The water is in… Sun, 06 Oct 2024 18:11:53 GMT 00000192-6307-d500-adfb-67ffe6c40000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-county-briefings-move-to-4-p-m-only-sunday-held-in-black-mountain The Buncombe County briefings will no longer be twice a day. Since the storm, county officials provided information at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. every day. The… Sun, 06 Oct 2024 17:37:38 GMT 00000192-62e8-db83-a5df-7ffa86ba0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#homeowners-hit-by-hurricane-helene-face-the-grim-task-of-rebuilding-without-flood-insurance A week after Hurricane Helene overwhelmed the Southeastern U.S., homeowners hit the hardest are grappling with how they could possibly pay for the flood… Sun, 06 Oct 2024 09:21:27 GMT 00000192-6118-d3f7-abde-77dbfa620000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#harris-pledges-ongoing-federal-support-as-she-visits-north-carolina-to-survey-helenes-aftermath Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris pledged ongoing federal support and praised the "heroes among us" as she visited North Carolina on Saturday… Sun, 06 Oct 2024 09:11:18 GMT 00000192-6117-d500-adfb-67ff33c70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#volunteers-give-out-food-in-burnsville-and-spruce-pine Volunteers from near and far were all over the roads of Yancey and Mitchell Counties Saturday.In the town of Spruce Pine, the roads have become crowded… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 23:43:06 GMT 00000192-5f10-dfdc-a1be-ffd8c2900000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#canton-to-remain-under-a-boil-water-advisory On Saturday, the town of Canton announced they will remain on a boil water advisory until tomorrow morning due to a 6” inch water line break.This does not… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 20:21:48 GMT 00000192-5e58-d500-adfb-7efa775c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#town-of-black-mountain-resources The Town of Black Mountain is providing, food, water, and public restrooms. The locations are open daily and is as follows:Food and WaterIngles 550 NC-9… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 20:20:27 GMT 00000192-5e57-d3f7-abde-5fdf3bc70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#court-closures-in-western-north-carolina-this-week Several courts in the region are closed.In McDowell County, all Sessions of court this coming week are cancelled. The Courthouse and the Clerks office… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 20:14:34 GMT 00000192-5e51-d500-adfb-7efbd8890000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#nc-department-of-transportation-provides-update-on-bat-cave Rebuilding roadways remains a difficult challenge for local, state and federal officials throughout the region.Today, the NC Department of Transportation… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 19:13:15 GMT 00000192-5e19-d358-a793-de3bb4160000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#harris-is-heading-to-north-carolina-to-survey-helenes-aftermath Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris is heading to North Carolina on Saturday as the state recovers from Hurricane Helene, arriving there one day… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 18:46:13 GMT 00000192-5e00-d500-adfb-7efaf5b10000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#misinformation-and-hoaxes-about-helene-cloud-the-recovery The facts emerging from Hurricane Helene's destruction are heartrending: Businesses and homes destroyed, whole communities nearly wiped out, hundreds of… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 18:43:11 GMT 00000192-5dfe-d276-a9b6-7fff31d80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#oct-5-morning-updates-fema-burn-tracking-damages Buncombe County officials provided updates on a few items on Saturday morning. They include:Burn noticeOpen burning of leaves, brush, and yard trimmings… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 14:56:20 GMT 00000192-5d2e-db83-a5df-5d3e82000000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#law-enforcement-from-across-the-state-and-nation-provide-support-for-asheville-operations Fleets of law enforcement officers from 45 state and federal agencies have descended on Asheville to help out with various safety and recovery efforts."We… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 03:56:04 GMT 00000192-5ad2-d358-a793-daf202b90000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#us-441-newfound-gap-road-closed-throughout-friday-night The National Park Service has temporarily closed US 441/Newfound Gap Road on from 10 p.m. Friday to 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The Park Service said the measure… Sat, 05 Oct 2024 03:45:02 GMT 00000192-5ac7-d787-a79f-7fefe7fe0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#a-new-site-for-water-in-asheville-lucy-herring-elementary The City of Asheville announced a new site for water distribution today. Bulk water is available at Lucy Herring Elementary (98 Sulphur Springs Rd). While… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 23:15:38 GMT 00000192-59d1-d3f7-abde-5fdb47a30000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#asheville-water-system-update-still-no-timeline-for-restoration Assistant City Manager Ben Woody gave a detailed breakdown of where the majority of the damage was sustained. While there is no timeline for when… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 22:31:47 GMT 00000192-59a9-d606-ab9f-5fe91e130000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#mountaintrue-contacts-epa-state-environmental-regulators-over-chemical-floodwater-concerns MountainTrue says its French Broad Riverkeeper has reached out to environmental regulators amid concerns that possible runoff of harmful chemicals - like… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 22:20:55 GMT 00000192-599f-d787-a79f-7dbf2fad0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#helene-severely-impacts-a-large-climate-data-bunker-in-asheville One of the largest climate and weather data archives in the world, which resides in a basement warehouse in Asheville, has been severely impacted by… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 22:12:52 GMT 00000192-5970-dfdc-a1be-fff860750000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#ncdot-plans-to-reopen-a-dozen-drivers-license-offices-in-western-nc-next-week The NC Department of Transportation plans to reopen a dozen drivers license offices in western North Carolina next week. The state agency plans on Monday… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 21:29:48 GMT 00000192-5968-d5f1-a1d2-ff69a3130000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#helene-flooded-a-iv-fluid-factory-outside-asheville Flooding from Helene has shut down a factory outside of Asheville that makes intravenous fluids that many hospitals around the country depend on. NPR… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 20:37:40 GMT 00000192-5930-d500-adfb-7ffae9b80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#dhhs-disaster-medical-assistance-team-is-in-asheville Federal, state, and local agencies are working in western North Carolina to increase medical support for those impacted by Helene. A disaster medical… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 17:43:31 GMT 00000192-58a1-db83-a5df-5dbb36f40000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#duke-energy-to-restore-power-to-27-000-households-across-wnc-today At the morning Buncombe County briefing, Duke Energy spokesperson said about 27,000 households in Buncombe County should see their power restored today… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:22:21 GMT 00000192-5856-db83-a5df-5d5ee4630000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#harris-trump-to-visit-north-carolina Vice President Kamala Harris will visit North Carolina to survey Helene damage Saturday.The visit will include a briefing about the continued recovery… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:33:26 GMT 00000192-57f0-dd1d-a9fb-77f9ab250000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#sibelco-helene-caused-minor-damage-on-spruce-pine-quartz-mine A company that makes high-purity quartz for semiconductors says its Western North Carolina plant suffered minor damage from Helene.Sibelco says all of its… Fri, 04 Oct 2024 14:30:42 GMT 00000192-57ef-d358-a793-d7ef28fc0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#death-toll-rises-to-72-in-buncombe-county-more-than-200-missing With a quavering voice, Sheriff Quentin Miller shared that another 11 people have perished in Buncombe County from Hurricane Helene.At the afternoon… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 21:45:11 GMT 00000192-5458-dd1d-a9fb-75f917650000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#troopers-are-not-blocking-commercial-truck-drivers-in-wnc-where-roads-are-safe Tractor trailers and big rigs hauling essentials such as food, water, supplies, and fuel are able to resume deliveries in some parts of Western North… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 21:24:27 GMT 00000192-5445-d3f7-abde-57cf21ac0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#more-than-2-000-people-relocated-from-prisons-in-western-nc State corrections officials this week have evacuated 2,190 people from five prisons in areas of western North Carolina impacted by Helene. According to a… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:47:25 GMT 00000192-5404-dd1d-a9fb-75bd3cd20000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#interstate-40-near-north-carolina-tennessee-border-will-be-closed-for-months It could be months at a minimum before Interstate 40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line is fully restored after Helene, U.S. Transportation… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:13:33 GMT 00000192-53e7-d44d-a99a-7bf7ac370000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#water-safe-to-drink-for-some-residents-in-hendersonville Some Hendersonville residents received a welcomed robocall today, informing them that their water is safe to consume. Not all parts of the area have safe… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 18:49:00 GMT 00000192-53b6-d606-ab9f-5ff7ce110000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#western-carolina-football-to-host-game-vs-wofford-with-no-fans Western Carolina University's football team will continue playing this Saturday in Cullowhee, hosting a game against the Wofford Terriers.However, no fans… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:47:23 GMT 00000192-533c-de58-a5db-7bbc7aa80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#7-year-old-boy-who-drowned-is-the-youngest-victim-confirmed-in-wnc The latest reporting from official government data sources indicates 100 people in North Carolina died during Hurricane Helene - with 94 of those being… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:03:58 GMT 00000192-531f-d2da-adbb-fbffb62b0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#one-water-treatment-plant-in-asheville-up-and-running-boil-water-advisory-in-place The water system in Asheville is sprawling and most water lines need to be completely rebuilt after the damage from Hurricane Helene, according to city… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:52:46 GMT 00000192-52de-d0fe-a59e-5efe81f50000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#new-haywood-county-shower-facility-and-food-distribution-center-opens-today Haywood County officials have opened a new supply center, which will offer both a shower facility and food for local residents.The new Canton supply… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:46:36 GMT 00000192-52d8-d0fe-a59e-5efade080000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#macon-county-food-distribution-mres-available-today Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) will be available for pickup at Macon County Department of Social Services at 1832 Lakeside Drive in Franklin and Macon County… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 14:42:04 GMT 00000192-52d4-d507-a9fe-56ddb59a0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#hikers-journey-up-the-mountain-to-deliver-supplies-find-stuck-neighbors Across Western North Carolina, local communities are coming together to support those who are still unreachable after Helene.Sylva native Lance Buskey and… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:37:53 GMT 00000192-5263-d507-a9fe-566b04f10000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#mission-health-hospital-update-we-need-water Mission Health hospitals have remained open with the help of hundreds of additional workers and supplies brought in from across the country.Mission… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:29:24 GMT 00000192-525b-d0fe-a59e-5e7b40660000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#law-enforcement-death-toll-rises-to-61-in-buncombe-and-a-warning-about-scams The death toll in Buncombe County is now 61, Sheriff Quentin Miller announced late Wednesday afternoon.That number rose by four after the county’s 10 a.m.… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:54:12 GMT 00000192-523b-d0fe-a59e-5e7b09410000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#new-sites-for-water-in-asheville-full-repairs-to-citys-water-system-weeks-away Asheville city officials said in their daily 4 p.m. press briefing that they have been getting water from private vendors and estimated they only have… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:51:49 GMT 00000192-5238-d2da-adbb-fbfcd8ee0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#henderson-county-food-water-and-healthcare Henderson County Resource Hub locations will be open today beginning at 9:00 a.m. for water distribution and other supplies as they become available.The… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:37:56 GMT 00000192-522c-d0fe-a59e-5e7e23ab0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#advent-health-to-see-patients-in-hendersonville Today, more than 50 AdventHealth physicians will be seeing patients at the Medical Office Building at 50 Hospital Drive in Hendersonville. This location… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:33:53 GMT 00000192-5228-dba1-a5f3-7efd71710000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#transylvania-county-resources-for-food-and-water Water and food was delivered to Transylvania County Tuesday by helicopter. Meal distributions in the community are listed below:Daily, 9am-11am, 12pm-2pm,… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:29:02 GMT 00000192-5223-d2da-adbb-fbeffd050000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#mountain-bizworks-offers-helps-to-small-businesses-hurt-by-hurricane-helene Mountain Bizworks, a regional nonprofit that provides loans and training to small businesses, is working to help local businesses impacted by Hurricane… Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:14:55 GMT 00000192-4fba-dba1-a5f3-7fffd2430000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#marshall-mutual-aid-hub-offers-medical-supplies-food North Carolina community group Rural Organizing and Resilience has begun aid distributions at 1685 Hwy. 213 in Marshall. ROAR is open from 2 to 6 p.m.… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 22:10:55 GMT 00000192-4f49-d10c-a9f7-ff794ac10000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#what-to-know-about-renters-rights-after-helenes-impacts There was already a housing crisis in western North Carolina. After Tropical Storm Helene, it’s likely that huge numbers of tenants will experience… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 21:00:39 GMT 00000192-4f08-d2da-adbb-efecf4eb0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#twasa-in-jackson-county-rescinds-boil-advisory Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority in Jackson County has rescinded it's boil advisory. Based on the laboratory analysis of water samples collected from… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 20:00:09 GMT 00000192-4ed1-df5e-a5d3-4ff992fb0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#duke-energy-provides-update-on-power-restoration-utility-bill-payments On Wednesday, Duke Energy installed a new mobile substation to replace the New Salem substation lost in Swannanoa. Much of the local electricity… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:03:30 GMT 00000192-4e9d-d10c-a9f7-fffdbe2c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#avery-county-ems-needs-donations-to-help-folks-with-wasp-bee-stings First responders in a western North Carolina County are in need of EpiPens to help people who are allergic to wasp and bee stings.Avery County EMS… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 18:43:35 GMT 00000192-4e89-de58-a5db-7ebdec6d0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#eastern-band-of-cherokee-waives-rent-after-hurricane-helene-annual-fair-kicks-off Chief Michell Hicks announced on Facebook that due to the current state of emergency, the Eastern Band of Cherokee (EBCI) Tribal Government is waiving all… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:47:24 GMT 00000192-4e58-d1a6-a796-5e5c0a7a0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#death-toll-in-buncombe-county-remains-at-57 No new deaths were reported in Buncombe County overnight. County Manager Avril Pinder said 57 people have died in the county from Hurricane Helene.… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:22:58 GMT 00000192-4e41-d2f1-ab9b-fe79ae1a0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#buncombe-briefing-offers-insight-on-education-system At the Wednesday morning briefing by Buncombe County officials, local education leaders said the area's schools suffered "minimal damage" from Hurricane… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:59:21 GMT 00000192-4e2c-debc-a39e-df7e09a80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#postal-service-delays The U.S. Postal Service issued a statement in response to Hurricane Helene:"The safety of our customers and employees is the Postal Service’s top priority… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 16:04:56 GMT 00000192-4dfa-d885-affa-cdfb3c180000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#brevard-gets-some-cell-service Cell service has been restored to most areas in Brevard, according to a post from the city’s Instagram page.To request a welfare check from within the… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:45:20 GMT 00000192-4db1-d885-affa-cdf958400000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#new-hendersonville-rd-shelter-open-in-asheville A new shelter is open in Buncombe County located at 1815 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. The shelter will provide power, water, food, and a place to… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:51:14 GMT 00000192-4d11-d885-affa-cdf9f2350000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#black-mountain-food-water-distribution-public-restrooms The town of Black Mountain was one of the hardest hit by flooding from Helene.The Twn of Black Mountain provided the following information: A distribution… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 11:00:20 GMT 00000192-4ce3-dfaf-a9be-cce75c770000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#transylvania-reports-no-deaths-150-rescues On Tuesday evening, Transylvania County reported no storm related deaths and no missing persons reports pending.“There were over 150 specialty rescues… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 02:48:02 GMT 00000192-4b20-dd8d-af97-6f70a3720000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#hot-springs-and-marshall-start-to-clean-up Some towns in western North Carolina, like Hot Springs and Marshall, shifted Tuesday from rescue mode to recovery mode.Community members came together to… Wed, 02 Oct 2024 02:46:40 GMT 00000192-4b1f-dd8d-af97-6f5f63c70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#power-restored-in-downtown-highlands-macon-county-taking-stock Highlands Mayor Pat Taylor says that power has been restored in the downtown business district and some neighborhoods. The Macon County town sits on a… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:16:56 GMT 00000192-4a5f-d17b-abfa-eb7f5ea80000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#hca-donates-funds-to-support-storm-victims HCA Healthcare, which owns Mission Hospital System, announced Tuesday afternoon that it will contribute $250,000 to the United Way of Asheville and… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:10:13 GMT 00000192-4a59-d6f4-a1f3-4e5f3bbe0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#haywood-county-schools-closed-for-the-rest-of-the-week-employees-will-probably-be-paid Haywood County Schools said that employees will likely be paid during the state of emergency.Earlier this week, the county said staff had the option to… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:07:37 GMT 00000192-4a56-d885-affa-cfffd7420000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#medical-clinic-pharmacies-available-in-buncombe ABCCM Medical Clinic at 155 Livingston St.in Asheville is offering medical care to anyone in need.The facility is also accepting donations of medicine… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 22:50:58 GMT 00000192-4a47-d296-affe-ebcf9cd90000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#fatalities-rise-to-57-in-buncombe The death toll has risen to 57 people in Buncombe County, according to Sheriff Quentin Miller.Fatalities are expected to increase as search and rescue… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 22:49:16 GMT 00000192-4a46-d898-abd7-4ec70c3f0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#resources-available-in-jackson-county Sylva's Economic Development Director Bernadette Peters checked in on businesses downtown to find resources for the community. Peters shared this list… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:49:10 GMT 00000192-4a0f-d6f4-a1f3-4e1f045b0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#nc-board-of-elections-says-that-wnc-will-be-ready-for-election-day The head of North Carolina’s Board of Elections said it is working with all 25 western counties in the FEMA-designated disaster area to ensure the state… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:34:39 GMT 00000192-49ca-dadb-abf2-ebceccca0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#volunteers-requested-in-buncombe-co-to-go-door-to-door-for-welfare-checks With an unspecified number of people either unaccounted for or for whom loved ones have requested welfare checks, the county has asked volunteers to step… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:27:08 GMT 00000192-49c3-df1a-a396-f9e3eafc0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#mountain-terrain-poses-major-challenge-for-wnc-search-and-rescue-feds-acknowledge FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams are currently bringing law enforcement and military partners together to comb the terrain of Western North Carolina for… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 20:08:53 GMT 00000192-49b3-df1a-a396-f9f334530000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#montreat-has-no-water-nor-a-timeline-for-repairs Montreat has no water, Town Manager Savannah Parrish shared at a press conference this morning.Montreat – much like Asheville, Woodfin and Black Mountain… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:08:00 GMT 00000192-497b-d885-affa-cdfb78a00000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#duke-energy-hopes-to-restore-most-power-by-friday There are currently 640,000 customers without electricity in the Carolinas, with the most outages in parts of upstate South Carolina and the mountains of… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 19:00:52 GMT 00000192-4974-df1a-a396-f975f2060000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#those-36-weeks-pregnant-families-with-newborns-urged-to-evacuate-wnc Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC) on Tuesday urged those who are pregnant (36+ weeks) and families with newborns to evacuate Western North… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 18:52:46 GMT 00000192-496d-d296-affe-e9ef82600000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#yancey-county-and-burnsville-update-specialized-rescue-teams-arriving Officials gave an update on conditions across Yancey County, saying extensive road and infrastructure damage is challenging first responders. Citizens… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 18:47:12 GMT 00000192-4968-d885-affa-cdf970490000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#unca-closing-immediately-students-will-be-relocated On Tuesday, UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly van Noort announced UNCA is closed effectively immediately and students will be relocated away from campus… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 18:39:47 GMT 00000192-4961-dadb-abf2-ebefa3ad0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#biltmore-forest-update-welfare-checks-roads-water-distribution Town officials say crews are working this morning to open the roads still closed in Biltmore Forest. Residents can pick up two bottles of water per person… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:10:35 GMT 00000192-490f-dfaf-a9be-c94ff4ab0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#mcdowell-county-food-distribution-meals-available McDowell County 911 / Emergency Management has provided the following information about points of distribution for food and meals.Locations will open… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:32:59 GMT 00000192-48ed-df1a-a396-f9ed8c030000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#new-charging-stations-wi-fi-support-locations-fletcher-and-asheville T-Mobile teams will be in North Carolina and South Carolina offering charging and Wi-Fi connectivity at the following locations, during their open hours.… Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:30:45 GMT 00000192-48eb-de45-afbe-fcef7ffb0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#dam-near-north-carolina-tennessee-border-not-experiencing-catastrophic-failure-officials-say Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said Friday that a “catastrophic failure” was not taking place at Walters Dam, also known as the Waterville Dam,… Sat, 28 Sep 2024 14:33:33 GMT 00000192-3906-dc9d-a5b2-7f27dc0d0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#vice-president-harris-urges-residents-affected-by-helene-to-heed-local-officials Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday urged residents impacted by Hurricane Helene to pay heed to local authorities as the storm continues to wreak havoc… Sat, 28 Sep 2024 14:26:43 GMT 00000192-3904-d532-a1fe-bd5cb2960000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#dozens-rescued-by-helicopter-from-a-flooded-tennessee-hospital There have been hundreds of water rescues due to Helene, but perhaps none more dramatic than in rural Unicoi County in East Tennessee, where dozens of… Sat, 28 Sep 2024 14:18:22 GMT 00000192-38fe-df9b-abd2-ffff26330000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#injuries-reported-in-rocky-mount-after-tornado Multiple people in Rocky Mount have been injured, with four of them currently in critical condition after a tornado touched down in the area. A… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 19:25:40 GMT 00000192-34f1-dc9d-a5b2-7ff35fe30000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#app-state-cancels-football-game-against-liberty-after-helene-causes-flooding-in-boone Appalachian State's home football game against Liberty in Boone, North Carolina, scheduled for Saturday was canceled because of the impacts of severe… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 17:17:43 GMT 00000192-347b-d5ed-adf2-f7ffaec30000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#lake-lure-dam-failure-imminent-national-weather-service-says Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:39:00 GMT 00000192-3458-dcb5-ad92-bcdf29920000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#more-than-300-national-guardsmen-activated-for-north-carolina Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:37:25 GMT 00000192-3456-d874-a9ff-7557953c0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#two-nc-deaths-reported-due-to-helene Governor Roy Cooper reported Friday morning there are two North Carolina deaths associated with Tropical Storm Helene.One death in Catawba County was due… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:33:26 GMT 00000192-341b-d7e3-a196-fd7bf2550000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#all-western-nc-roads-considered-closed-ncdot-says Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder told BPR, "Our rivers have not yet crested. This will get worse."In Jackson County, the new bridge on Hooper Cemetery… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:31:10 GMT 00000192-3418-d532-a1fe-bd58e2d20000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#tornado-warning-issued-for-parts-of-orange-wake-counties There's a tornado watch for most of North Carolina on Friday until 6 p.m. The National Weather Service says possible threats include a few tornados and… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:57:44 GMT 00000192-33fa-dcb5-ad92-bfff68a50000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#outdoor-ibma-events-canceled-until-5-p-m Due to expected weather from Hurricane Helene, street events for IBMA Bluegrass festival on Friday will start at 5 p.m., weather permitting. Red Hat… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:05:20 GMT 00000192-33ca-d7d0-a9bb-b7eb5ce70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#exactly-66-years-ago-another-hurricane-helene-rocked-the-carolinas Helene is threatening the Carolinas 66 years to the day after a storm with that same name brought heavy winds and rain to the same areas.Hurricane Helene… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:04:45 GMT 00000192-3393-d874-a9ff-73d75cd70000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#one-person-killed-in-charlotte-by-falling-tree Charlotte Fire Department officials said one person was killed early Friday when a tree fell on their house in west Charlotte as Helene, now a tropical… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:02:27 GMT 00000192-3390-d532-a1fe-bfd807aa0000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#canton-mayor-this-is-not-the-time-to-be-reckless The Mayor of Canton was out Friday morning around 8 a.m. surveying the damage to the area from the rain and wind overnight.Zeb Smathers spoke to BPR while… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 12:58:49 GMT 00000192-338e-d532-a1fe-bfde78110000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#flash-flood-tornado-warnings-continue-in-nc According to WFDD, the National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 6 p.m. Friday for Alamance, Davidson, Guilford and Forsyth counties.… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 12:51:09 GMT 00000192-3386-d7e3-a196-fffedff30000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#evacuations-underway-due-to-flooding Evacuations are underway due to flash flooding in Cruso, Clyde, and Canton and low-lying areas in Waynesville.There is a mandatory evacuation of the… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 12:48:48 GMT 00000192-3383-d874-a9ff-73d79b740000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#20-inches-of-rain-expected-for-north-carolina-national-guard-ready Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm but has since been downgraded to a Tropical Storm.Parts of North Carolina are already… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:30:11 GMT 00000192-333b-d874-a9ff-737fee030000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#many-schools-closed-in-north-carolina-due-to-helene Many school districts across central North Carolina are closed Friday due to Helene.Chatham County Schools, Durham Public Schools, Granville County… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:26:57 GMT 00000192-3339-dcb5-ad92-bfbfd1e30000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#helene-weakens-to-a-tropical-storm-with-maximum-sustained-winds-of-70-mph-over-georgia Hurricane Helene has weakened to a tropical storm over Georgia with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph. The National Hurricane Center says Helene continues… Fri, 27 Sep 2024 11:24:39 GMT 00000192-3338-d532-a1fe-bf7856b50000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#helenes-winds-batter-florida-as-category-3-storm-races-toward-the-coast Tropical storm force winds began battering Florida on Thursday as Hurricane Helene prepared to make landfall, with forecasters warning that the enormous… Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:59:28 GMT 00000192-3017-dbf1-a5be-b3dfe1780000 /live-updates/western-nc-braces-for-hurricane-helene-live-updates#hurricane-helene-is-unusual-but-its-not-an-example-of-the-fujiwhara-effect Treacherous Hurricane Helene is expected to make landfall Thursday evening on Florida's northwestern coast and then continue on to torment parts of… Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:48:43 GMT 00000192-3015-d7d0-a9bb-b77791ff0000