WNC: Looking Ahead to 2025

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall in Western North Carolina, but it was no ordinary hurricane. Among the worst disasters this area has seen in recent memory, it was absolutely terrible. Historic floods, landslides, and tragedy befell communities large and small, from thriving metropolises to sleepy mountain hamlet. On the other hand, it highlighted the extraordinary strength and resolve of the locals. How are the people of the hardest-hit towns and cities banding together to rebuild and go on? Let's examine a few of these places in greater detail.

Asheville

For whatever reason—its artistic atmosphere, delicious cuisine, or breathtaking scenery—Asheville is a city that everyone knows and loves. Some sections of Asheville were completely submerged when the Swannanoa and French Broad Rivers overflowed. The River Arts District and Biltmore Village were engulfed in water, houses and companies were inundated, and individuals were trapped on Interstates 40 and 26 due to landslides. But that doesn't mean Asheville will sit on its hands and wait for assistance. Everyone in the neighborhood began helping out the moment the water level dropped. After the mudslides and building destruction, local NGOs offered food and shelter, and volunteers cleared the streets and damaged structures. Businesses in the River Arts District are gradually reopening, and the city is gradually demonstrating its reputation for resilience and innovation.

Canton

Everyone knows your name in Canton, and after Helene, that feeling of community was even more apparent. Houses and businesses were submerged when the Pigeon River reached record levels. Tragically, families saw their possessions destroyed, and the already precarious situation at the town's famous paper mill became even more precarious. One thing that stands out about Canton, though, is how determined its residents are. The cleanup effort was greatly assisted by the many volunteers who pitched in, and the local authorities wasted no time in planning for a flood-proof reconstruction. Though it has not yet fully recovered, the town's spirit and vitality are as robust as ever.

Swannanoa

Despite being one of the most severely affected areas, Swannanoa does not receive nearly as much media attention as its neighbors.
Because of the washed-out roads and bridges, residents were without access to water and food for days. A lot of houses were damaged, and people are still trying to figure out how they're going to start over. The speed with which the residents of Swannanoa banded together is astounding. Churches opened their doors, neighbors helped each other out, and relief groups were quick to respond. Through thick and thin, Swannanoa has shown that with unity, even the tiniest of towns can overcome insurmountable odds. Squeaky Clean at Lake Lure

Lake Lure

The natural beauty of Lake Lure draws people from far and wide, but it turned into a terrifying and unpredictable place during Helene. Fearing the worst, those living downstream were evacuated as the dam spilled. Fortunately, the barrier was able to prevent the area's devastating flooding and erosion. Reconstruction is the current priority for Lake Lure. Restoring homes, fixing damage, and making sure the dam is secure for future generations are all ongoing efforts. Anyone who has gone to the lake knows how difficult it is to maintain its beauty and friendliness, yet the locals are adamant about doing so.

After Richland Creek overflowed, the picturesque mountain village of Waynesville took a major damage. Houses in lower-lying regions were severely damaged, and shops and restaurants in the center of town were inundated. However, the people of Waynesville have always been there to back one another up. Local companies joined forces to aid the affected, and residents wasted little time getting to work cleaning up. Day by day, Waynesville continues to demonstrate that its mountain spirit can withstand any tempest.

Boone

A combination of severe winds and torrential rains led to power outages and landslides and sinkholes. Many people were unable to access basic services because roads had been washed out. This community, Boone, though, has stood the test of time. Whether it's helping clear debris or checking in on neighbors, the people here have shown they can weather any storm. As the town continues to heal, the mountain village of Boone stands taller than before.

Hendersonville and Brevard

Heavy flooding occurred in Hendersonville and Brevard as a result of Helene. Brevard's charming downtown was hit hard, with shops and restaurants forced to close for repairs. Famous apple orchards in Hendersonville also took a hit, with some farms losing a lot of fruit. In both towns, the recovery efforts have been driven by the people who live there. These rural communities are demonstrating the power of unity via their many community service projects, from cleanups to fundraisers. Looking Forward: Let's Rebuild Together

Hurricane Helene was a stark reminder of how vulnerable Western North Carolina can be to extreme weather. But it also reminded us of something even more important: how strong, kind, and determined our communities are. Whether it's Asheville rebuilding its creative hubs, Canton standing tall, or Swannanoa coming together in quiet strength, WNC is proving that no storm can wash away the spirit of these mountains.

There's still work to do, but together, we're on the road to recovery. As we look ahead to 2025, let's continue to support these communities—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Because in Western North Carolina, we don't just rebuild houses. We rebuild hope.

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes