South Raleigh News

Critical supplies are reaching Western North Carolina communities affected by Hurricane Helene as crews work to restore power, cell phone service, and repair roads.

Food, water, and other essentials are arriving in Asheville and being airlifted by the North Carolina National Guard to counties across Western North Carolina. Cellphone providers are addressing damage and implementing temporary solutions. Over 500,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than one million.

"People are desperate for help — and we are pushing to get it to them. Please know that we are sending resources, and coordinating closely with local governments, first responders, state and federal partners, and volunteer organizations to help those impacted by this tragic storm," Governor Roy Cooper said. "This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response."

NC National Guard members are working with local emergency responders on search and rescue missions, delivering supplies, and helping restore infrastructure. Approximately 550 North Carolina National Guard personnel have been deployed in response to the storm, along with over 100 vehicles and 11 aircraft.

Twenty-four emergency shelters have opened, providing capacity for 942 residents. Shelter information can be found at readync.gov.

Eleven storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, with dozens reported missing. This number is confirmed by the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and is expected to rise. First responders have received hundreds of calls for rescue and over 1,000 requests for welfare checks. State search and rescue teams have conducted hundreds of rescues with assistance from teams from more than a dozen other states.

More than 1,600 North Carolina Department of Transportation employees and contract crews are working to clear roads; however, 280 state-maintained roads remain closed including parts of Interstate 40 and Interstate 26. NCDOT is facilitating the passage of supply trucks through damaged roads into Western North Carolina.

Residents are urged to stay off Western North Carolina roads so that emergency responders, utility crews, and essential supplies can get through. Real-time road conditions are available at drivenc.gov.

The federal government granted Gov. Cooper’s request for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration yesterday evening, providing immediate help for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This declaration will offer individual assistance for residents in those counties as well as public assistance to reimburse local governments, state agencies, and non-profits for funds spent on repairs. Additional information about these resources can be found at disasterassistance.gov or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

Residents affected by the storm should follow advisories from their local government and emergency services as the situation evolves. For storm-related issues or questions call 211 for assistance (press 1). Call 911 only for emergencies.

Information regarding Hurricane Helene can be found at www.ncdps.gov/helene. Up-to-date information on local conditions, shelters, and resources is available by following county government social media accounts or visiting ReadyNC.gov which features traffic updates, power outage information, and shelter locations.

###