Wednesday, December 15, 2021
A crisis is unfolding in western North Carolina as officials pledged to get more water, food and other supplies to flood-stricken areas that still lack power and cellular service days after Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across the U.S.
Hurricane Helene had a devastating impact on Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina, among other states. As one of the last to be hit, North Carolina's city, Asheville, was hit hard due to lack of flood infrastructure:
Asheville, North Carolina's largest mountain city, was significantly isolated due to the storm. Damaged roadways, lack of electricity, and disrupted cellphone connectivity made it difficult for residents to communicate and access essential services.
The storm resulted in a substantial number of fatalities in the region. As of the latest reports, at least 30 deaths were recorded in the county that encompasses Asheville, with the overall death toll across multiple states reaching at least 91, and later updated to nearly 100.
Helene brought torrential rains to the western mountain region of North Carolina, causing severe flooding and mudslides in Asheville. This led to significant portions of the city being underwater, with roads becoming impassable and communication services disrupted.
Rescue teams utilized helicopters to save individuals trapped on rooftops, including those at a submerged hospital in Unicoi County, just across the border in eastern Tennessee. Despite these efforts, the communication breakdown complicated the process of notifying next of kin about fatalities.
Over 400 roads in North Carolina were blocked due to floodwaters, and more than 700,000 power customers were left without electricity, including 100,000 in Buncombe County where Asheville is located. Residents were advised to boil their water before consumption due to water service disruptions.
Governor Roy Cooper and local authorities organized airlifts of essential supplies, including food and water, to the isolated areas. The President announced plans to visit the affected regions, emphasizing the federal government's commitment to providing necessary resources for the storm response.
The storm caused unprecedented flooding in over a century in North Carolina, with communities like Spruce Pine receiving more than 2 feet of rain. The economic impact is projected to be significant, with Moody's Analytics estimating property damage costs between $15 billion and $26 billion.
Overall, Hurricane Helene's impact on Asheville and the surrounding areas was catastrophic, highlighting the severe consequences of such powerful storms on infrastructure, communication, and human lives.
Each state got hit differently. The Big Bend of Florida took a direct hit of the Category 4 Helene, she then moved northeast across the southeastern US.
Death Toll: At least 116 fatalities.
Power Outages: Over 3 million households without electricity.
Economic Impact: Estimated $95 billion to $110 billion.
Flooding: Worst flooding in a century in North Carolina, with over 2 feet of rain in some areas.
Emergency Response: Over 1,500 FEMA personnel deployed.
Fatalities: At least 17 deaths have been reported in Georgia
Power Outages: Over 2 million utility customers across multiple states, including Georgia, are still without power
Flooding: Extensive flooding has been reported, with many roads and bridges impassable, complicating the distribution of urgently needed supplies
Property Damage: The total property damage cost is projected to be between $15 billion and $26 billion across the affected states, including Georgia
Emergency Response: FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell toured southern Georgia on Sunday to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts
Death Toll: At least 30 people have been reported dead in Buncombe County, with the overall death toll across the Southeast approaching 50
Power Outages: Over 635,887 power outages were reported in North Carolina on Saturday afternoon, with crews from across the United States assisting in restoration efforts
Flooding: Historic rainfall and flooding have been reported, with some areas receiving up to 29.58 inches of rain in 48 hours. The French Broad River and Swannanoa River near Asheville set record high levels, and the Biltmore Village was nearly submerged
Emergency Response: Over 5,000 emergency calls to 911 were fielded since September 26, with more than 200 North Carolinians requiring rescue. Local, state, and federal officials have mobilized to help, including deploying the National Guard
Economic Impact: While specific economic impact figures are not yet available, the widespread destruction and need for extensive repair efforts indicate a significant economic burden on the affected regions.
Death Toll: At least 25 fatalities have been reported in South Carolina, making Helene the deadliest tropical storm for the state since Hurricane Hugo in 1989, which resulted in 35 deaths
Power Outages: As of Sunday night, approximately 760,000 homes and businesses in South Carolina were without power. Utility companies are working to restore power, but the process is complicated by damaged and obstructed roadways
Economic Impact: Moody's Analytics projects property damage costs between $15 billion and $26 billion across the affected areas, including South Carolina
Flooding: The storm brought heavy rainfall, with totals of 12 to 14 inches in South Carolina, leading to extensive flooding of creeks and rivers and straining local dams
Emergency Response: President Joe Biden has approved disaster relief for South Carolina, and federal resources are being deployed to assist in the recovery efforts. The state's emergency management officials are working to distribute essential supplies and restore critical infrastructure
Death Toll: At least 2 people have been confirmed dead in Virginia due to the storm. A woman died in Craig County when a barn and large tree blew over, and another person died in Tazewell while cleaning debris when a large tree fell
Power Outages: While specific numbers for Virginia are not provided in the given sources, it is mentioned that millions of households across the southeastern United States, including Virginia, were without electricity
Economic Impact: The overall economic impact of Hurricane Helene across the affected states is estimated to be between $95 billion and $110 billion by AccuWeather, though specific figures for Virginia are not provided
Flooding: The storm caused significant flooding in Southwest Virginia, with over 100 homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. Preliminary estimates include 45 homes significantly impacted in Pulaski County and 35 to 40 buildings destroyed in Giles County
Emergency Response: Virginia declared a state of emergency on September 25, 2024, to prepare for the storm. The Virginia Emergency Operations Center was activated, and response assets were pre-positioned to assist local and state partners. First responders made over 70 rescues in Southwest Virginia
Additional Information: The storm also triggered tornado warnings, with at least two confirmed tornadoes in Bedford and Pittsylvania counties. The New River saw its highest levels since 1940, with significant flooding in areas like Radford and Damascus
Death Toll: At least 2 weather-related fatalities have been confirmed in Tennessee, specifically in Johnson County and Unicoi County
Power Outages: Approximately 18,800 reports of power outages statewide as of September 29, 2024
Economic Impact: While specific figures for Tennessee are not provided, the overall economic impact from Helene in the U.S. is estimated to range from $95 billion to $110 billion by AccuWeather, and property damages are estimated between $15 billion and $26 billion by Moody's Analytics
Flooding: Severe flooding has affected significant portions of the state, causing substantial damage and destruction, and threatening public safety. Flash flood warnings remained active in parts of the southern and central Appalachians
Emergency Response: Governor Bill Lee declared a major disaster and state of emergency through Executive Order 105 to provide critical relief to survivors. FEMA has authorized Public Assistance (Category B) emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance at 75% federal funding for several counties. TDOT's Strike Force team and bridge inspection crews have been dispatched to East Tennessee to assist with recovery and repairs. As of September 29, 27 state roadway sections were closed, 14 state bridges were closed, and five state bridges were destroyed. Several wastewater treatment plants have been impacted or are reporting problems due to flooding, and six counties have reported water utilities with operational issues, with four counties issuing Boil Water Advisories.
Dealing with the Aftermath of a Hurricane
Dealing with the Aftermath of a Tornado
Surviving with no Running Water
Preparing for hurricanes is crucial for individuals living in hurricane-prone regions, as these powerful storms can cause widespread devastation and pose significant risks to life and property. To protect your property, it is essential to fortify your home by securing doors and windows, trimming trees and shrubs, and reinforcing roofs and structures to withstand high winds. Installing storm shutters, reinforcing garage doors, and securing outdoor furniture and objects can help minimize damage from flying debris and strong winds during a hurricane.
Surviving hurricanes requires careful planning and preparation, including creating an emergency kit with essential supplies such as food, water, medications, first aid supplies, and important documents. Developing a family emergency plan that outlines evacuation routes, designated shelters, communication strategies, and meeting points is essential for ensuring the safety of your loved ones during a hurricane. Staying informed about weather alerts, evacuation orders, and emergency updates from local authorities is critical for making informed decisions and taking timely action to protect yourself and your family.
In the event of a hurricane, it is important to follow evacuation orders if instructed to do so and seek shelter in a safe location away from flood-prone areas and storm surge zones. During the storm, stay indoors, away from windows, and in an interior room on the lowest level of your home to minimize exposure to high winds and flying debris. After the hurricane passes, exercise caution when venturing outside, as downed power lines, flooding, and debris may pose additional hazards. By being prepared, staying vigilant, and following safety guidelines, you can enhance your chances of surviving a hurricane and protecting your property from the destructive forces of these powerful storms.
