’Beyond imagination’: Helene devastates western North Carolina

President Joe Biden was set to survey the devastation in the mountains of Western North Carolina on Wednesday, where exhausted emergency workers continued to work around-the-clock to clear roads, restore power and cellphone service, and reach people left stranded by Hurricane Helene. The storm killed at least 133 people and hundreds more were still unaccounted for on Monday night, four days after Helene initially made landfall. Meanwhile, election officials across the South were making emergency preparations to ensure displaced residents would be able to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Officials in the hard-hit tourism hub of Asheville said their water system suffered “catastrophic” damage that could take weeks to fully repair. Government officials, aid groups and volunteers were working to deliver supplies by air, truck and even mule to the town and surrounding mountain communities. At least 40 people died in the county that includes Asheville. The North Carolina death toll included one horrific story after another of people who were trapped by floodwaters in their homes and vehicles or were killed by falling trees. A courthouse security officer died after being submerged inside his truck. A couple and a 6-year-old boy waiting to be rescued on a rooftop drowned when part of their home collapsed. Rescuers did manage to save dozens, including an infant and two others stuck on the top of a car in Atlanta. More than 50 hospital patients and staff in Tennessee were plucked by helicopter from the hospital rooftop in a daring rescue operation. #Helene #News #Weather READ MORE: =================== WCNC Charlotte considers multiple perspectives and provides diverse points of view. We actively listen, respond and involve our community in a two-way conversation. We find solutions to problems and get the answers that matter most to the communities we serve. We are transparent about our process, data and sources to build trust and VERIFY facts. Join in, share your thoughts and connect with new perspectives. Subscribe to WCNC Charlotte for exclusive content: Download our WCNC Charlotte news app: Follow WCNC Charlotte on social: Facebook: X: Instagram: