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The aftermath of Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the city of Asheville, North Carolina, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The remnants of the hurricane caused widespread flooding, power outages, and road closures that have left the city in a state of chaos and disarray. The sheer force of the storm has resulted in an unknown number of fatalities and has left countless residents and visitors unable to reach their loved ones.
The flooding caused by Hurricane Helene has had a devastating impact on the city of Asheville. Over 400 highways in North Carolina were closed on Saturday as floodwaters receded, revealing the extent of the damage. Governor Roy Cooper has stated that supplies are being flown into the region to aid in recovery efforts. The scale of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene is staggering, with reports indicating that at least seven people have been killed in North Carolina alone, and a total of 57 deaths reported across multiple states.
One harrowing account comes from Janetta Barfield, a nurse at Asheville Mission Hospital who was rescued from rising floodwaters after her vehicle became trapped on Friday morning. Barfield recalls seeing another vehicle attempt to navigate through standing water before it became trapped, prompting her to feel a false sense of security. However, her own vehicle soon became stuck, and she found herself surrounded by rapidly rising water. She was eventually rescued by a nearby police officer who witnessed her plight.
The impact of the storm on Asheville can be seen throughout the city. Many gas stations were forced to close due to power outages, and those that remained open saw long lines of customers waiting for fuel. The normally bustling tourist and cultural center of Asheville was eerily quiet as floodwaters inundated popular areas such as Biltmore Village and the River Arts District. The loss of cellphone service has further isolated residents, making it difficult for them to reach family and friends.
The power outages in Asheville and surrounding areas have been extensive, with over 700,000 households affected, including 160,000 in Buncombe County alone. Major interstates such as I-40 and I-26 have been rendered impassable, and state transportation officials have warned that most routes in and out of Asheville are clogged with debris. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has advised that all roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed until further notice.
Asheville is facing a myriad of challenges in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The lack of cellphone service has made communication difficult, with many residents unable to reach their loved ones. The County EMS Director, Van Taylor Jones, confirmed that there have been casualties, but details are scarce due to communication disruptions. The Asheville police have instituted a curfew from 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. to ensure public safety, and transportation services have been halted.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many residents of Asheville in a state of uncertainty and fear. Residents like Francine Cavanaugh, who is unable to contact her sister, son, and friends in Asheville, are left waiting anxiously for news. The storm caught many off-guard, with officials admitting that they were prepared but were surprised by the storm’s intensity. The impact of the storm has been far-reaching, with residents facing challenges such as contaminated water, limited communication, and transportation disruptions.
Asheville and the surrounding areas are facing a long road to recovery in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The city’s resilience and strength will be tested as residents come together to rebuild and support one another in the face of adversity. The aftermath of the storm serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such disasters.
