Hurricane Helene Causes Major Flooding in Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina, August 23, 2025

News Summary

Hurricane Helene has devastated Asheville, North Carolina, leading to severe flooding and significant destruction of infrastructure and local businesses. The Swannanoa River has risen dramatically, resulting in catastrophic damage, especially at Asheville Tea Company. The local tourism industry, crucial for the region’s economy, faces major disruptions with popular attractions closed. Authorities are prioritizing search and rescue operations while communities mobilize support for recovery efforts, highlighting resilience amidst adversity.

Asheville, North Carolina – Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc across North Carolina, resulting in major flooding and extensive destruction, particularly in Asheville and surrounding areas. With the Swannanoa River rising more than 26 feet on September 27, parts of the city have been inundated, severely impacting local businesses and infrastructure.

Among the worst-hit is the Asheville Tea Company’s facility, which was completely swept away by floodwaters, leaving no trace of the equipment or products inside. This catastrophic event poses a significant threat to the local economy, especially as the fall season approaches— a crucial time for tourism in Western North Carolina.

Tourism is a pivotal economic driver for the region, with approximately 14 million visitors contributing around $3 billion to the local economy last year. However, the recent disaster has led to the closure of many popular attractions, including the historic Biltmore Estate, which will remain shut until at least October 3 as a damage assessment is underway.

Further compounding the situation, reports indicate that about 70-80% of the arts buildings in the River Arts District have been compromised, disrupting local artists and their livelihoods. Additionally, significant damage is being reported in Chimney Rock, another favored tourist spot, with many local lodging facilities, including the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, also closed.

The flooding has devastated numerous roads, effectively isolating Asheville and Buncombe County from the surrounding areas. In response, local, state, and federal agencies are prioritizing search and rescue operations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

In an effort to combat the economic fallout, local businesses, including Asheville Tea Company, are actively seeking donations and federal aid. Local art organizations are likewise working to raise funds to support artists impacted by the flooding. The estimated economic fallout from Hurricane Helene is projected to be between $145 billion and $160 billion across multiple states, underscoring the massive scale of destruction caused by the storm.

Despite the significant challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, the community is coming together, pooling resources and support to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts. As the region begins to assess the damage and plan for recovery, resilience and unity among residents will be critical in the days and months to come.

Background Context

The impact of Hurricane Helene has raised alarm among local officials and residents alike, especially given the importance of the fall season for tourism in Western North Carolina. The region’s natural beauty attracts millions of visitors each year, but the extensive disruption caused by the hurricane threatens this economic lifeblood. The coordinated response from various agencies and local organizations highlights the community’s determination to recover and rebuild.

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Hurricane Helene Devastates Asheville and Surrounding Areas
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
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Asheville Commemorates Country Music Legacy with Celebration

Additional Resources

• WLOS Football Scores
• 828 News Now: Panthers Contract
• High School OT: Hurricane Impact
• ABC11 High School Football Scores
• Charlotte Observer Weather News
• Wikipedia: Asheville, North Carolina

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.