Asheville, North Carolina, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Asheville, North Carolina is facing significant challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has caused severe flooding, infrastructure damage, and sadly, a rising death toll. With 91 fatalities reported in North Carolina alone, emergency services are struggling to deliver essential supplies to affected residents. While some areas are seeing improvements with the return of running water, many families remain without vital resources. The local economy is also suffering from the loss of around 80% of the River Arts District. Federal assistance has been approved to aid recovery efforts.
Asheville, North Carolina is reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall over a week ago, causing catastrophic damage across western North Carolina. The storm has resulted in a rising death toll, with the state reporting 91 fatalities—a three-person increase from the previous day. The overall death toll across six states now stands at least 230.
Severe flooding, mudslides, and collapsed roads have left many homes in the region destroyed. The challenges posed by the disrupted road conditions have made it difficult for emergency services to deliver essential supplies, including water and food, to affected residents. Search and rescue crews have been deployed throughout western North Carolina to aid those in need.
In Asheville, some areas have seen running water return, but city officials have cautioned residents that it is unsafe to drink directly from the tap without boiling it first. Despite this improvement, many locations still lack access to water services. The situation has made normal life difficult, especially for families trying to recover from the storm’s impacts.
Impact on Schools and Local Economy
Schools in Henderson, Haywood, and Transylvania counties have reopened; however, there is no definitive timeline for reopening schools in Buncombe County, which includes Asheville. Tragically, four students in the Buncombe County Schools district lost their lives due to the storm.
The storm has inflicted significant harm on Asheville’s economy, particularly affecting the local arts scene. Approximately 80% of the River Arts District has been destroyed, a situation reported by Katie Cornell, Executive Director of ArtsAVL. This area alone generates roughly $1 billion in annual sales, supporting numerous jobs and economic activities.
Infrastructure Damage and Recovery Efforts
Over 1,450 incidents and 1,364 road closures have been reported since Hurricane Helene struck, with ongoing work to reopen affected roads. The storm caused over 2,000 landslides, with 1,064 impacting rivers, roads, and structures. The North Carolina Office of Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed that 103 deaths were storm-related, with 23 attributed directly to landslides.
Rainfall totals from Helene have been some of the highest ever recorded in the area, including a staggering 31.33 inches in Yancey County. Consequently, rivers such as the French Broad River and the Swannanoa River have reached historic flood levels, with the French Broad crested at 24.67 feet.
Critical infrastructure has also taken a significant hit, with many areas requiring inspections before they can restore essential services. Reports indicate that Buncombe County has received over 1,000 missing persons reports since the storm, and many residents remain without power, with over 372,000 customers reporting outages as of Tuesday morning.
Federal Assistance and Ongoing Challenges
Federal assistance has been sought to aid recovery efforts, with President Biden approving a Federal Major Disaster Declaration for 25 counties. Extensive efforts to rescue stranded residents are ongoing, and air rescues have taken place in the hardest-hit areas.
Distribution centers have been established to provide food and water to affected residents, but access remains challenging due to ongoing flooding and landslides. Authorities state that the region is under immense strain, with entire neighborhoods washed away, leaving families struggling without safe drinking water, food, or consistent communication.
Summary of Key Information
- Death Toll: 91 confirmed deaths in North Carolina, 230 across six states
- Infrastructure Damage: Over 2,000 landslides, significant road closures
- Water Services: Many areas remain without access to drinking water
- School Status: Schools in some counties reopened; Buncombe County schools remain closed
- Economic Impact: 80% of Asheville’s River Arts District destroyed
- Federal Support: Major Disaster Declaration approved for 25 counties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current death toll in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene?
The current death toll in North Carolina is 91, contributing to an overall total of at least 230 fatalities across six states.
How has Hurricane Helene affected local schools?
Schools in Henderson, Haywood, and Transylvania counties have reopened, but there is no timeline for reopening schools in Buncombe County.
What kind of damage has occurred in Asheville?
Asheville has suffered significant damage, including the destruction of approximately 80% of its River Arts District, severe flooding, and road collapses.
What assistance is being provided to residents?
Distribution centers for food and water have been set up; however, accessing remote areas remains a challenge due to ongoing flooding and landslides.
Key Features of Hurricane Helene Impact
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Toll | 91 in North Carolina; 230 across six states |
| Infrastructure Damage | 2,000+ landslides; 1,364 road closures |
| Water Access | Many areas without safe drinking water |
| Economic Impact | 80% of Asheville’s River Arts District destroyed |
| Federal Assistance | Major Disaster Declaration for 25 counties |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville City Schools Enhances Security and Infrastructure
New Mural Unveiled at The Wyre in Asheville’s River Arts District
Asheville to Host Family Fun Fest at Tanger Outlets
Asheville to Host Centennial Celebration of Americana Music
Asheville Commemorates Country Music Legacy with Celebration
Asheville Seeks Volunteers for Bike and Pedestrian Data Collection
Asheville Completes Restoration at Riverside Cemetery After Hurricane Helene
Asheville Tourism Shows Signs of Recovery Amid Challenges
Western NC Leaders Share Flood Recovery Strategies with Texas
Asheville Faces Long Road to Recovery After Hurricane Helene Flooding
Additional Resources
- CNN: Hurricane Helene Impact on Schools
- ABC11: Live Updates on Hurricane Helene
- 828 News Now: Mapping 2000+ Landslides from Helene
- WRAL: Western NC Faces Devastation from Hurricane Helene
- AP News: Hurricane Helene Causes Flooding and Damage
- 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.
