Helene's deadly aftermath continues in Asheville, North Carolina: 'I never could have imagined this'
Helene made landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast late Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane, but the storm had a devastating and deadly impact on western North Carolina, where numerous rare Flash Flood Emergencies were issued when relentless precipitation sent rivers and streams flowing out of their banks while landslides and torrents of water rushed down mountains, destroying roads and bridges that cut off access to several communities.
North Carolina residents desperate for communications from officials after Helene devastates region
Dozens of people are confirmed dead in North Carolina due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene last week. FOX Weather Correspondent Robert Ray is in hard-hit Asheville, where residents say they’re looking for more communications from officials.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Hurricane Helene's catastrophic impact continues to unfold in North Carolina, highlighting the devastating consequences of hurricanes even hundreds of miles from landfall.
Remnants from Helene drenched the state, dropping nearly 30 inches in some spots – or about four months’ worth of rain, in only three days.
FOX Weather's Robert Ray captures widespread destruction across Asheville, North Carolina
FOX Weather's Robert Ray captured this footage from Asheville, North Carolina, on Monday and says it's the worst damage he's discovered so far in the city. Cars are seen upside down covered in mud, homes are completely destroyed, and large piles of debris cover the streets.
The Category 4 storm made landfall in Florida, leaving a trail of destruction that extends through Georgia, the Carolinas and the Tennessee Valley. With more than 120 confirmed deaths across six states, Helene's toll is staggering.
Watch: Aerial footage captures scope of catastrophic flooding in North Carolina
Aerial footage captured by the North Carolina National Guard provides a dramatic look at the scope of catastrophic flooding caused by the effects of Hurricane Helene when the deadly storm swept across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic after making landfall in Florida last week.
President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster for North Carolina, where nearly 40 people have tragically lost their lives. Over 450,000 residents remain without power, and countless others have been displaced by flooding. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but many communities remain isolated due to impassable roads, power outages and communication disruptions.
"I and my team are in constant contact with governors, mayors and local leaders. Head of FEMA, Deanne Criswell, is on the ground in North Carolina. She's going to stay in Asheville, in that place of the region for the foreseeable future," Biden said. "There's been reports of over 100 dead in the consequence of this storm, and there are reports of up to 600 people unaccounted for because they can't be contacted. God willing, they're alive. But there's no way to contact them again, because of the lack of cell phone coverage."
NORTH CAROLINA CELL SERVICE OUTAGE FRUSTRATES STRANDED RESIDENTS AFTER DEADLY HELENE FLOODING
Watch: House carried away by Helene floodwaters in North Carolina town
A house in Marshall, North Carolina, was swept away by floodwaters Friday. The French Broad River peaked in flooding on Friday evening, destroying cities across western North Carolina.
In Asheville, one of the hardest-hit regions in Buncombe County, search and rescue operations are in full swing. As much as 14 inches of rain fell over three days, setting an all-time record. The torrential downpours sent the Swannanoa River to levels higher than its record crest, set in 1791.
"It's shocking," resident Russell Jones said. "It's one of those things where you're not expecting the river to just be that massive."
Despite challenges posed by damaged infrastructure, emergency responders are utilizing helicopters, ground teams and other resources to reach those in need.
Residents are grappling with the extent of the damage, as they survey their homes and businesses.
"I never could have imagined this," said Oele Trump, a Candler resident who shared her experience of the storm with FOX Weather and its impact on her art gallery in Asheville. While her gallery appeared to have weathered the storm relatively well, the overall devastation in the community was evident.
Footage filmed by Thomas Mabry shows Asheville’s arts district inundated with floodwaters on Friday morning.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF EFFORTS
Helene floods Asheville's River Arts District
Footage filmed by Thomas Mabry shows Asheville’s arts district inundated with floodwaters on Friday morning.
According to city officials, Helene heavily damaged Asheville's water system, and it will take weeks to restore full service.
Residents have been advised to boil any water they use for drinking. Shelters are available, but some are becoming full. Food and water supplies are limited and will be distributed at designated sites once available. Bus service has been suspended, and fire stations have firefighters available 24/7 for medical assistance.
As the recovery process begins, North Carolina faces a long road ahead.