How to get out of Asheville with the Helene Storm Damage

Many people are struggling after Tropical Storm Helene ripped through the North Carolina mountains. WRAL reporter Shaun Gallagher and WRAL photo journalist Curt Tremper showed how they got out of Asheville, and other tough decisions many face when deciding to leave.

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[gregtasber]

I was in Asheville Thursday on vacation Friday night we decided to make our way out, took I-40 west until it was closed as we had no service no way of knowing almost all roads where closed. When I got off I-40 about 25 mile west of Asheville Apple Maps had a route to Knoxville looking back it was probably not smart to take this route but by gods grace it worked 5 hours on back roads to a 1 lane dirt road though a national park we made it to interstate 81 leading to I-40. 4 cars followed me off when I-40 was closed off we all made it . Craziest drive of my life if just 1 tree wasn’t removed that had been fallen we wouldn’t have made it out!

[TacoPoweredTimeTraveler]

My apartment complex is on 12 foot stilts because they are right next to Swananoa River but they still were destroyed. We had to get on the top floor where the water didn't get to. It had to be at least 16 feet deep. The only thing you could see of Lowe's was the peak of the roof. Walgreens got completely destroyed. There are Uhaul storage container smashed into the bridge. The Uhaul office is at least 1/4 mile away from the bridge. The entire intersection of Tunnel Rd and Swananoa River Rd. was peeled up like a banana and carried away. I've never seen so much destruction and it's my home and neighborhood. 😢

[angeladerby]

From eastern North Carolina but live in Colorado now. Just shared the video so everyone will know that Ashville and western parts of North Carolina needs help....♥️😔🙏😔♥️

[BPink-kejy]

Thank you so very much to everyone who responded to my post about how to safely get in and out of Asheville. I was able to pick up my mother and bring her back to Charlotte. Prayers for everyone.

[angeladerby]

I lived through Hurricane Floyd, Dennis, Matthew and other hurricanes. This was No joke....It reminded me of those times when we were without water, electricity, and had to find a way to Tarboro to get supplies due to holes, down trees and power lines in the roads. It took my ex husband 7.5 to 8 hours to go to Western Raleigh area to work. He had no other choice. When he got there, they sent trucks back to Tarboro full with water and other goods to give out. Thank you, to Ryder Integrated Logistics for that help. He worked for then as a Truck Driver....I wonder if the Trucking industry will help this time. They're good for that. Just a suggestion to anyone who will send the word out... Thank you for reading my

[JamesColombo-bd]

Hope you’re having fun with your new job Shaun! Miss you back home but glad you’re doing well

[janetrogers]

Always keep your tank at least half full. Prayers for folks in Ashville and all flooded.

[Arecee]

Prayers up for all impacted by this devastating storm! 🙏

[cherimoreno]

We got out this morning on I 26 E. Gas is very hard to find.

[TracyLamb-jokz]

News team: Please give me distinct directions out of Ashville to Charlotte. Im not familiar with this area but heard I could leave Ashville today and get to Charlotte safely but Im nervous about finding my way out. Thank you so much!

[tsr]

Unfortunately I live in Florida and we are going through this on a yearly basis You don't really get used to it but you do accept it Because you have no choice

[acgillespie]

It could happen for any of us anywhere at any given time of their choosing these days. *prepare to be prepared*

[BPink-kejy]

To the reporters who posted the story, thank you so very much. Can you please tell me if you were able to get from Asheville to Charlotte via going through Shelby? Is interstate 26 open on that side? Thank you so much.

[hilarykristina]

Is there anyway to give donations that will be directed to people in North Carolina specifically? In upstate NY now but lived in Durham from 2020-2023. Have a lot of great memories of weekends in the mountains and would love to know how to help these communities.

[lynneuribeross]

When they say hurricane, get out you can get another home, you can't get another you!!!!

[SherryHill-ky]

Prayers to all of you affected. ❤ Hope you get help.🙏

[MujerVirtuosaLinajeReal]

Nayeli Aparicio, please contact your father Edgar. We are all concerned here . We hope you are doing well after the hurricane

[freemab]

The lack of cell phone service should be taken more seriously by the government.

[Rchard]

US governor said after the rain it is not yet the end. That is correct. Flooding famine pestilences are all coming.

[rob]

Will I still be able to travel to a wedding in Asheville? It’s in a week