Overview

• In its northward sweep, Helene killed at least 250 people and caused $78.7 billion in damage, including nearly $60 billion in North Carolina, with 108 deaths statewide and 43 in Buncombe County.
• Buncombe County reports more than 300 homes destroyed, over 800 with major damage, and nearly 9,000 needing repairs to be habitable.
• Most Asheville customers lacked drinkable tap water for about 53 days, and the tourism economy remains weak with summer revenue down roughly 20% to 40% and Biltmore visitation about 25% lower than usual.
• Portions of I-40 won’t be fully repaired until 2028 after $1.15 billion in new federal funding, a Blue Ridge Parkway segment reopened two weeks ago as overall park repairs could reach $2 billion, and thousands of landslides scar the region.
• Community rebuilding continues with BeLoved Asheville completing its 100th home and clearing major debris, the River Arts District’s Marquee gallery reopening, and state leaders seeking more aid as red tape slows disbursements.