News Summary
Hurricane Helene has caused severe damage in Western North Carolina, leading to four deaths in Haywood County as families struggle against devastating floods. With significant property damage, a State of Emergency is declared in multiple counties. Local authorities are focused on recovery efforts as emergency teams respond to calls for help. Community organizations are mobilizing to offer support, while residents are advised to remain cautious of potential scams related to disaster relief. The aftermath of the storm serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable power.
Asheville, North Carolina – The devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which struck Western North Carolina on September 26-27, has resulted in the tragic loss of four lives in Haywood County. The devastating flooding caused by the storm has led to significant property damage and a declared State of Emergency across multiple counties, prompting extensive recovery efforts.
The local authorities reported that a family of four, consisting of Alison Wisely, her fiancé Knox Petrucci, and their two sons Felix, 9, and Lucas, 7, perished while attempting to evacuate their home. Their bodies were found after being swept away by rising floodwaters as they sought safety. This heartbreaking incident has highlighted the severe dangers presented by the storm.
The storm wreaked havoc across Western North Carolina, unleashing torrential rains and hurricane-force winds that downed trees, caused widespread power outages, and damaged water supply systems. In Buncombe County alone, the death toll has increased from 35 to 40, and approximately 90,000 residents are still without power. Local officials have indicated the water system damage there is catastrophic, with no estimates available for restoration. Reports have also confirmed the death of a woman in Woodfin due to a falling tree.
In Haywood County, authorities reported four confirmed flood deaths, and a curfew from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. has been established to assist with recovery efforts. A tragic loss was also documented with the drowning of Deputy Jim Lau, whose body was recovered after extensive search operations. Emergency teams in the area continue to respond to calls for help, advising residents to limit travel to support ongoing recovery activities.
In response to the disaster, Polk County Schools will provide prepared meals for residents at Polk County High School on October 1 from 1-6 p.m., while supplies last. Duke Energy has committed to restoring power to most residents in Polk County by Friday, October 4. Residents needing help can contact the local government through specific phone lines: 828-722-5025 or 828-722-5026.
Meanwhile, donations of non-perishable food and comfort supplies are being accepted at Thermal Belt Outreach from October 1 through October 3, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Additionally, Henderson County has a call center for non-medical inquiries operational at 828-771-6670 or via email. Flight operations at Asheville Regional Airport are beginning to resume, with some American Airlines flights already landing and Delta and United starting limited services.
Effective water conservation measures are being encouraged for residents of Henderson County, where a System Pressure Advisory is still in effect. Customers are advised to use bottled water or boil water before consumption. In light of these challenges, the Henderson County Transfer Station will accept storm debris, and efforts are underway to establish a free storm debris site in the area.
Community organizations are stepping forward to provide support. The Carolina Memorial Sanctuary, where Alison Wisely worked, has pledged to cover the funeral costs for the Wisely-Petrucci family. In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has also been created to assist families affected by Hurricane Helene.
As the region begins recovery efforts, residents are reminded to remain vigilant against potential scams related to disaster relief donations. Local governments continue to disseminate critical information via social media platforms to keep the community updated on available assistance and recovery efforts.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene serves as a stark reminder of the power and unpredictability of nature as local communities mourn their losses and grapple with the ongoing effects of the storm.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Flooding Predicted in Asheville Due to Hurricane Helene
I-40 to Reopen in Stages After Hurricane Helene’s Flooding
MANNA FoodBank Holds Farewell Ceremony After Flood Damage
Goat Yoga Classes Revive Asheville’s River Arts District
Interstate 40 West Closure Planned in Asheville
Asheville Business Community Rallies for Summer Tourism
Asheville Residents Advised to Exercise Caution Due to Flooding
Restoration Efforts Begin at South Asheville Cemetery
Buncombe County Schools Face Significant Budget Cuts
Asheville Police Conduct Targeted Operation, Arrest Three
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Helene Live Updates
- Charlotte Observer: Hurricane Helene Impact
- WRAL: Western NC Faces Devastation
- WRAL: Buncombe Family Drowns in Flood
- Washington Post: Hurricane Helene Before and After
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
