Hurricane Helene causes catastrophic damage in Asheville

Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage in Asheville, North Carolina, in late September 2024. Record-breaking rainfall caused the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers to crest at heights of up to 30 feet and 27 feet, respectively, leading to the flooding of Biltmore Village and the River Arts District.

The storm resulted in severe infrastructural failure, including landslides, mudslides, and washed-out roads that severed physical access to Western North Carolina for several days. The region faced prolonged utility outages, with some residents lacking electricity for weeks and it taking over fifty days to restore potable water to much of the area. Communication was also heavily disrupted by the loss of cell service and internet.