Helene survivors rebuild amid snow, freezing temps in western North Carolina
Helene wrought historic devastation with deadly floods and landslides in the Tar Heel State in late September, leading to at least 103 lives lost as of Friday.
Helene survivors rebuild amid cold temps in western North Carolina
Helene survivors in western North Carolina deal with cold temperatures and powerful wind gusts as they continue rebuilding their lives. FOX News Multimedia Reporter Olivianna Calmes reports.
As residents in western North Carolina are still dealing with the aftermath of Helene, snow has fallen in parts of the hard-hit region this week.
Helene wrought historic devastation with deadly floods and landslides in the Tar Heel State in late September, leading to at least 103 lives lost in the state as of Friday.
Some survivors in western North Carolina have had to navigate their recovery efforts around potentially hazardous conditions as snowfall ranging from a light dusting up to about 2 feet has blanketed the area.
The amount of snow that has already fallen.
(FOX Forecast Center / FOX Weather)
For some residents, more snow is in the forecast. The National Weather Service said up to 3 more inches of snow is expected in Ashe and Watauga counties by Saturday morning.
Snow still to come.
(FOX Forecast Center / FOX Weather)
Additionally, Helene survivors in western North Carolina will also have to manage with powerful winds. Wind gusts are expected to reach 30-40 mph in Asheville, while other areas may feel gusts of 50 mph or greater.
Wind gust forecast.
(FOX Forecast Center / FOX Weather)
These conditions may lead to tree branches breaking and falling onto homes and powerlines, with the latter producing power outages. Roads may also become slippery, which could affect drivers during their Friday evening commute.
The NWS issued a Winter Weather Advisory for towns in Ashe and Watauga counties that will last until 7 a.m. Saturday.
Temperatures will rise going into the weekend, leading to sunnier conditions to kick off Thanksgiving week.
Asheville forecast.
(FOX Forecast Center / FOX Weather)