NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Next week will mark six months since Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina.
The storm’s impact was immense, and a new report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sheds light on just how severe the damage was. According to the latest analysis, Helene is now recognized as the second deadliest hurricane since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
The storm is responsible for at least 248 confirmed deaths, with 175 directly linked to the storm’s wind and flooding. An additional 70 deaths were caused indirectly by issues like medical complications, fires, and electrocutions from downed power lines. North Carolina experienced the highest number of fatalities, with 105 deaths, followed by South Carolina at 50.
In addition to the deaths, the storm left three people dead from unknown causes, and six others are still missing in parts of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.
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BUNCOMBE COUNTY, NC – OCTOBER 28 A drone photo from Monday, October 28, 2024, shows trees leveled by Hurricane Helene in Buncombe County, NC. (Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/interactive/2024/hurricane-helene-forest-damage-north-carolina/ -
Destroyed cars remain in a river after the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene about a month ago in Asheville, North Carolina, on October 30, 2024. (Photo by Yasuyoshi CHIBA / AFP) (Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images) -
The Confederate flag flies over a home damaged by Hurricane Helene the day before the US presidential election, on November 4, 2024 in Burnsville, North Carolina. (Photo by Allison Joyce / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty Images) -
A road damaged by Hurricane Helene is closed the day before the US presidential election, on November 4, 2024 in Burnsville, North Carolina. (Photo by Allison Joyce / AFP) (Photo by ALLISON JOYCE/AFP via Getty Images) -
CHIMNEY ROCK, USA – DECEMBER 14: Main Street businesses in Chimney Rock open for one day only for Christmas celebration after the devastating destruction of Hurricane Helene in Chimney Rock, United States on December 14, 2024 (Photo by Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images) -
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 23: Debris and destruction from Hurricane Helene is seen on December 23, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina in the River Arts District. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images) -
LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 23: An artist works on a carving from debris and destruction left after Hurricane Helene on December 23, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)
Hurricane Helene’s Reach
One of the most surprising findings from the report is how far Helene’s winds extended inland. The storm’s fast-forward motion allowed its wind gusts to reach further than many other hurricanes.
In our area, Banner Elk, in Watauga County, recorded some of the highest winds, reaching speeds of over 90 MPH. This was among the highest gusts across all areas affected by the storm.
The storm also brought devastating rainfall. Yancey County recorded nearly 31 inches of rain, shattering a record set back in 1957.
Banner Elk wasn’t far behind, measuring just under 24 inches of rain.
Historical Significance
The storm’s power and breadth have left an indelible mark on the region. The National Hurricane Center’s analysis not only highlights the immediate dangers of the storm but also its long-lasting effects on communities still working to recover.
Six months later, the recovery process continues across the Carolinas. The damage caused by Hurricane Helene is a stark reminder of the power of nature, but it’s also a testament to the strength and resilience of those impacted by the storm.
