As I watch the news and scroll through social media, I see the heartbreaking destruction in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

My mind drifts back to my own memories of Asheville, Black Mountain, Lake Lure, Marshall and Old Fort (and so so many more).

I think of the quiet mornings spent wandering through Asheville’s quirky downtown, checking out the cute shops in Black Mountain, enjoying the creative and beautiful work kept up by the locals at the Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure, and the warmth of the locals who have always welcomed me with open arms.

These are the places that have brought me so much joy over the years, and now they’re hurting in ways that are hard to comprehend.

Right now, people in these beloved communities are facing unimaginable challenges, and they need our help.

Below, I’ve gathered resources for both those in need and those who want to provide relief.

Please take a moment to find a way to support—whether that’s through a donation, volunteering, or even sharing these resources.

If there’s one thing I know about North Carolinians, it’s that we come together when times are tough.

From the mountains to the coast, we’re neighbors first, and we show up for each other in moments like these.

Whether you’re nearby or across the state, every small act of kindness makes a difference.

I’ve seen it time and again—our strength is in how we care for each other.

This Guide is being put together as I see information shared via various resources. It should not be used in place of official local information, but only as a supplement or a place to start in your research.

We ARE North Carolina STRONG!

While the immediate focus is on helping those in the midst of this crisis, there will come a time when these mountain towns are ready to welcome visitors again.

Tourism is vital to their recovery, and when they are ready, supporting their local businesses will be just as important as the relief efforts now.

I’ll keep updating this post with the latest on how these towns are doing, when they’re ready to receive visitors, and how we can support their recovery in every way possible.

When Did Hurricane Helen Hit Western North Carolina?

Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina on September 27th, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The mountain communities of Asheville, Black Mountain, and Old Fort were among the hardest hit, facing devastating floods and damage that have upended lives and livelihoods.

Hurricane Helen Damage Maps & Summaries

Organizations & Resources for Hurricane Helene Relief in Western North Carolina

This list is being updated often.

If you have information and updates to share, please email info to Christy@NorthCarolinaTraveler.com

Click Here for The Helene Response and Rebuild WNC Resource Guide

Support for Specific Local Businesses & Smaller Towns that Are Often Overlooked

If you have businesses to share, please email links and any reputable sources to Christy@NorthCarolinaTraveler.com

Animal Rescues and Veterinarians

Shelter & Relief Provisions Information & Resources

Citizen Times: Help in a hurry: Quick guide to finding essentials in Asheville after flooding from Helene

ReadyNC.gov

Homeward Bound in Asheville

Hospitality House in Boone

NC Department of Public Safety

There are two shelters available at Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community College:

  • General Population Shelter: A-B Tech Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Drive, Asheville, NC 28801 (Please use Victoria Road Entrance). No pets allowed
  • Medical Emergency Shelter for individuals dependent on medical equipment requiring power:10 Genevieve Circle, Asheville, NC 28801

10/2 State Parks Closed until Oct. 31st.

From the NC State Recreations FB Page: Our staff are assisting with the statewide emergency and rescue efforts in western North Carolina. The division is currently prioritizing resources, both staff and equipment, towards immediate and lifesaving needs.

All state parks west of I-77 are closed through at least Oct. 31, 2024:

– Chimney Rock State Park

– Crowders Mountain State Park

– Elk Knob State Park

– Gorges State Park

– Grandfather Mountain State Park

– Lake James State Park

– Lake Norman State Park

– Mount Jefferson State Natural Area.

– Mount Mitchell State Park

– New River State Park

– Rendezvous Mountain

– South Mountains State Park

– Stone Mountain State Park

Reservations for campsites, cabins, and other facilities have been cancelled and issued a full refund.

Also: most events and programs scheduled for October have been cancelled at all state parks across NC. The following will occur as scheduled:

– Goose Creek After Dark, 10/5

– Dismal Day at Dismal Swamp, 10/12

– Fear at the Fort (Fort Macon), 10/18-19 and 10/25-26

– Schools in Parks training at Carolina Beach, 10/26

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we put helping our neighbors and communities first. Our hearts go out to those who are grieving and have lost so much because of the storm.

9/30 Asheville was significantly impacted by flooding, landslides, and power outages. Thousands of residents were without power, and several main roads, including parts of Interstate 40, were damaged by landslides​ (State Climate Office).

Emergency responders are actively working to restore essential services like electricity and drinking water​ (NC Gov).

9/30 Status: Power restoration efforts are ongoing, and the city is gradually reopening. Efforts are focused on repairing roads and infrastructure. The French Broad River saw unprecedented flood levels, cresting higher than any previous record​ (State Climate Office).

9/30 Flooding and infrastructure damage reported.

9/30 Suffering from major flooding, road closures, and limited access.

10/03 The White Horse Black Mountain is open daily from 1pm until dusk, they are sharing supplies, and providing a place for the community to gather and connect with others.

Why Was Hurricane Helen so Bad?

Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Western North Carolina was due to a mix of intense rainfall and the region’s unique geography. Although hurricanes rarely affect the mountains, when storms bring heavy rain to this area, the steep terrain amplifies the effects.

Moist air is forced upward by the mountains, which causes heavier rainfall and runoff.

This, combined with the already saturated soil, led to severe flooding and landslides. The mountainous landscape’s narrow valleys also funneled water, worsening the damage​ (State Climate Office)​ (VICE).