Examining Hurricane Helene's shocking impact in North Carolina

Hurricane Helene left a trail of devastation across North Carolina, with dozens of people dead and many left to consider what's next. Homes and buildings are flooded, roads are damaged and power is scarce.

Boone and Asheville were some of the hardest hit areas, with flooding up to rooftops and houses reportedly washed off mountainsides.

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[RationalNon-conformist]

I’m so sorry for everyone affected, truly. It’s a complete nightmare. I can’t imagine the loss, especially losing loved ones.

[LilaB-fo]

Prayers to everyone who was hit. I had a home destroyed by a tornado in the 80s and it's the worst feeling to lose everything you owned and cared about, family pictures and heirloom that can never be replaced.

[stevefranklin]

1, 000 plus people still missing in one county alone !! That’s tragic !!

[beeeev]

Asheville was my favorite place I ever lived. I am absolutely heartbroken.

[dawnieb.]

What the reporter said when she was quoting a professor (?) about how you'll never know just what it's like until you're standing in knee-deep water in your own home, is very true. When I was in high school, we had a devastating flood in our town; my childhood home was one block away from a river, and we had no basement. I will never forget standing in my bedroom with my mom and our dog, as the water just came literally POURING into our house. It was ankle-deep immediately, and rose very fast. We were taken out of the house on a rowboat, floating down our driveway, and didn't get out of the boat for several blocks, to where my dad had parked our car. We couldn't return for 2 weeks, and when we did, the house had to be stripped down to the beams. I didn't realize at the time how traumatic it would be, as a child, to go from the comforts of home to sleeping on a mattress on the floor, eating off a hot plate, and having bedsheets for walls. Whenever I see footage like this, my heart breaks because I know exactly what those affected are going through. I pray FEMA comes through for them. If you're in an area where you are able to assist and want to help, I can tell you that NOTHING is more appreciated than a hot cup of coffee or tea, a meal, and some kind words. Yes, monetary donations are always needed, but I'll never forget the night the Red Cross pulled up to our house with food, drinks, and supplies. It was a godsend in the middle of a very low point, and made a huge difference. I'll be keeping everyone in the affected areas in my thoughts, and praying for a swift recovery. 💔

[kathryncarruth]

It's absolutely heartbreaking. Currently, in a blackout in SC, my mother is in NC. Praise God, we are all safe. Keep everyone in your prayers! Donate to Ashville relief if possible!! ❤❤

[arleneaugustahair]

I thought Fayetteville had it bad. My house is on a higher level and we don’t have trees in our neighborhood so we don’t get it as bad. This is heartbreaking. Asheville is beautiful. 😥😥😥

[bweaver]

This is catastrophic! The rebuilding will take years!

[jonathanmather]

Unfortunately most people in this mountain town will not have had flood insurance endorsements on their policies. This is going to be an absolute financial travesty for nearly everyone affected.

[terryperry]

My heart hurts, just listening to his voice . 1000 people missing in the community? It is staggering to imagine. This isn't like any storm the United States has ever seen. I'm overcome with grief for people.
Florida was hit hard but we have nothing in comparison to deal with here. Im so sorry. Praying 🙏 for North Carolina and everyone affected by Helene.

[danz]

I feel there pain in NC but lets not be blind, Florida Georgia NC SC Tennessee Virginia all suffered catastrophic damage, keep all in your hearts and prayers ! ❤️🙏🏾

[truthsetyoufree]

I am so sorry for your losses. I hope you are getting the help you need.

[mtnlaurel]

Asheville was one of the most beautiful mountain towns...will be again! I was in Biltmore Village last November and stayed the night on the Biltmore Estate.

[DeltaForce]

A town of 8, 400 destroyed. And that’s only part of the destruction in one state.
Does that sound like a death toll of 35 people?

[vha]

I praying for all counties. My family in Yancey County, Green Mountain area was washed out. The roads there are no drivable. They need help. I was able to contact one cousin she said it be months before they get help. Marion and Spruce Pines is flooded. I praying for all in western NC

[JMGblvd]

God bless all of you from a Katrina suvivor..
My nephew is there, Grandaughter at Western University...stay strong!!

[fwang]

Step one is to search those thousand missing people

[caveman]

Chimney Rock, North Carolina and Lake Lure, NC .... Completely wiped off of the map. Prayers needed for Rutherford County!!

[ioiindelibles]

Imagine the FAA trying to stop a private company from providing emergency satellite phone services for people. Sure would be useful right now...

[meowzah]

Ham radios are what people can still be using. That's why more people need to get their license!