Overview

• NOAA pegs U.S. losses at $78.7 billion and attributes at least 250 deaths to Helene, placing it among the costliest and deadliest modern hurricanes.
• In western North Carolina, more than 6,800 people still rely on rental assistance or trailers, with towns like Swannanoa reporting shuttered services and slow business reopenings.
• Florida’s Big Bend is still rebuilding after storm surge over 20 feet in Steinhatchee, with residents describing ongoing housing struggles and unresolved insurance claims.
• East Tennessee marked the anniversary with community remembrances after record river crests on the Pigeon and Nolichucky, while some survivors remain without permanent homes.
• Local nonprofits and volunteers are leading much of the recovery, from rebuilding in Swannanoa’s Beacon Village to fundraising a safe camper for an elderly Madison County couple.