Hurricane Helene

The purpose of this page is to provide information and resources to North Carolina residents and visitors who were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice to the public of its intent to provide financial assistance to the State of North Carolina, local and Indian tribal governments, and private nonprofit organizations under major disaster declaration FEMA-4827-DR-NC.

Read the full notice

Disaster Assistance

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Read the Press Release

North Carolina Receives Federal Major Disaster Declaration

The counties in the disaster declaration are Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. As response operations and eligible damages dictate, North Carolina may be able to add additional counties or programs as assessments move forward. 

More Information:

Read the declaration summary

 FEMA - How a disaster gets declared

(Update Oct. 18) More counties eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance

Homeowners and renters in Cabarrus, Cherokee, Forsyth, Graham, Iredell, Lee, Nash, Rowan, Stanly, Surry, Union and Yadkin counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Tropical Storm Helene are now eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.

Learn More

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Start an Application

Start the application process in the:  

Need help or have questions about applying? AskAI email is available for general questions or comments about FEMA assistance.  

Please note: FEMA representatives may call from unfamiliar area codes and phone numbers or show SPAM or no caller ID. It is important to answer the call. 

Resources:

FEMA - Get Assistance After a Disaster

FEMA Housing Assistance

Individual Assistance FAQs

What to Expect After Applying with FEMA

Understanding FEMA’s Eligibility Decision

FEMA Disaster Survivor Checklist (En español)

FEMA Assistance for North Carolinians

North Carolina Disaster Assistance Flyer and en español  

 

Business owners in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties and The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina are eligible for both Physical and Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the SBA. Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in the following adjacent counties are eligible to apply only for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs): Cabarrus, Cherokee, Graham, Iredell, Surry, Union, and Yadkin.

Applicants may also call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Where to meet with SBA Customer Service Representatives

Customer Service Representatives from the SBA are at every FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. In addition, the SBA has established three Centers in North Carolina where survivors can get help with their SBA disaster loan application. SBA’s Customer Service Representatives can answer questions, help survivors complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an appointment in advance.  The hours of operation for the SBA Centers are as follows:

Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)
Mecklenburg County
U.S. Small Business Administration District Office
6302 Fairview Road
Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28210
Hours:   Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed: Saturday and Sunday
Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Buncombe County 
Asheville Chamber of Commerce
36 Montford Avenue 
Asheville, NC 28801
Hours:  Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
              Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed: Sunday
Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Watauga County
Appalachian Enterprise Center
130 Poplar Grove Connector 
Boone, NC 28607
Hours:  Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
              Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed: Sunday

Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Transylvania County
Blue Ridge Community College
45 Oak Park Dr.
Brevard, NC 28712
Opening: Monday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours:  Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
              Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed: Sunday

Business Recovery Center (BRC)
Mitchell County
Mayland Community College Small Business Center
67 Hotel Ave.
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Opening: Monday, Oct. 21, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours:  Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
              Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed: Sunday

Resources:

Press Release (Sept. 30) - SBA Launches Disaster Assistance for North Carolina Residents and Businesses Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene English  |  En español

Press Release (Oct. 4) - SBA Launches Recovery Centers for Hurricane Helene Survivors: Help for the Displaced and Hard-Hit - English  

Press Release (Oct. 7) - SBA Adds Counties in North Carolina for Businesses and Residents Impacted by Tropical Storm Helene - English  |  En español

Disaster Loan Fact Sheet - English  |  En español

SBA Disaster Assistance North Carolina Portal 

SBA - Disaster Assistance Info (En español)

FEMA’s Public Assistance Program provides supplemental grants to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, and certain types of private non-profits so communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies.

After an event like a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or wildfire, communities need help to cover their costs for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure.

Learn More

Resources

FEMA - Public Assistance full eligibility details and requirements (En español)

Grants Portal

Top 10 Procurement under Grants Mistakes

FEMA - Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation Greensheet

Summary Declaration

Tropical Storm Debby Applicant Briefing

NCDOT Disaster Relief Debris Removal

Tropical Storm Helene Applicant Briefing

VIDEO: Tropical Storm Helene Applicant Briefing

NCEM Public Assistance Team Contact List

The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is a FEMA-funded program designed to reduce or eliminate future damages and loss for homeowners and local governments. This includes home elevations and property buy-outs as well as infrastructure improvements and protection for local governments.

Learn more

Storm information

County Information

Links to county information.

Radio Resources

Tune in to these local radio stations for updates.

Red Cross Reunification Request

If you need assistance locating or connecting with a loved one because of Hurricane Helene, the Red Cross may be able to help.

Hurricane Helene FAQs
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FEMA:

Health and Wellness:

  • NCDHHS: Replacement benefits available for Food and Nutrition Services recipients
  • Emergency Prescription Assistance Program for uninsured North Carolina residents. Call the EPAP hotline, 855-793-7470 (TTY 1-800-876-1089).
  • Laundry Services: TIDE Loads of Hope Laundry Truck are up in running in three locations. These facilities will operate 10 am – 4 pm daily, or until daily capacity is reached. 
    Locations:
    • Home Depot Hendersonville (401 Linda Vista Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792) – TLOH laundry trailer
    • Sams Club Hendersonville (300 Highlands Square Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792) – shower trailer
    • Excel College in Black Mountain (12 Florida Ave Black Mountain, NC 28711) – TLOH laundry trailer and shower trailer 

IRS Resources:

DSNAP Approved for Hurricane-Impacted Counties in NC
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has received approval to implement the first phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) in 25 western NC counties and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee households who reside in the 28719 zip code. We estimate more than 150,000 people in western NC will apply for up to a combined $120 million in benefits, but the window to apply is short, and we need your help making sure people who may be eligible know about D-SNAP and apply.  

Phase 1 of D-SNAP begins on Friday, October 18 and the application period closes on Thursday, October 24. 

Eligible households will receive a one-time benefit on a debit-like card (called an Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT card) to help buy food. The exact amount will depend on household size, income and estimated losses. The benefits are good for up to nine months. 

To be eligible for D-SNAP, a person must:  

  • Live in one of 25 counties in western NC (Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey Counties) or Eastern Band of Cherokee households living in zip code 28719. 
  • Have suffered losses/damages related to Hurricane Helene, such as damage to property or loss of income. 
  • Have proof of identity and proof of residency (if available). 
  • Have income and resources below certain levels. 
  • Not currently receive benefits through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program. People receiving FNS can also get extra help buying food, but do not need to fill out a D-SNAP application. They can get more information about how to get the extra help on the FNS webpage.  

People are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by phone at the D-SNAP Virtual Call Center at 1-844-453-1117 or complete a pre-registration online using the ePASS Pre-Registration Tool, which will open on Oct. 15 for pre-registration and close on Oct. 24. Once applicants complete the pre-registration, applicants will be issued a confirmation number and will need to call 1-844-453-1117 between Oct. 18 through Oct. 24 to complete the interview part of the application. People can also apply at a D-SNAP location in their county. For a full list of places to apply and for more details, visit www.ncdhhs.gov/dsnap. Please note if you live on the Qualla Boundary in the 28719 zip code and you wish to apply in person, DSNAP applications are being taken on the Qualla Boundary at 1526 Acquoni Road, Cherokee, NC 28719. 

Residents will be notified if they have been approved within three days of their application and will be able to pick up their EBT card in person at any of the D-SNAP locations or have their card mailed to them overnight at the address they list in the application. 

Residents are encouraged to apply for D-SNAP by phone by calling on their assigned day by last name.  

  • 10/18 – A-G 
  • 10/19 – H-M  
  • 10/20 – N-S 
  • 10/21 – T-Z 
  • 10/22 – Open to all  
  • 10/23 – Open to all  
  • 10/24 – Open to all 

NCDHHS is working with USDA on adding two additional counties through phase two of the D-SNAP implementation at a later date. Once we get that approval, we will share additional information. 
 

USGS Hurricane Helene 2024 Landslide Observations

This landslide inventory is based on an emergency analysis of the currently available, post-hurricane satellite imagery, and field collection. As a large quantity of images were utilized in the rapid mapping effort, a formal and systematic assessment on the positional accuracy of the data has yet to be completed. There are limitations to performing a hazard analysis remotely, and thus, further investigation and monitoring would be beneficial to accurately determine the threats posed by the mapped landslides.

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USGS North Carolina Hurricane Helene Landslide Information

This landslide event page serves as an event summary to communicate timely science information to our partners. This information includes what is currently understood about the event and ongoing activities of the USGS and partner agencies and maybe be subject to change. 

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Additional Resources

 Be Prepared for a Landslide - Info Sheet

 USGS - Landslide Preparedness

Storm Support Numbers

Report Price Gouging

Call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM
A complaint can also be filed online.

Call 211
1-888-892-1162

For shelters, food assistance, welfare checks and additional storm recovery help.

Disaster Distress Helpline

Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”

NC Farm Help Line

Call or text 844-325-3276
Support available 24/7

How can you help?

Monetary Donations Are Needed Most At This Time. Please give to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to help communities recover from Helene.

Donate Now

Other ways to donate or volunteer

Read our recommendations on the best ways you can donate in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

Coordinate any donation or volunteer efforts through an accredited organization.

Statewide Resources

State Agency Updates

  • All North Carolina state parks west of Interstate 77 are closed through at least Oct. 31. These parks include Chimney Rock, Crowders Mountain, Elk Knob, Gorges, Grandfather Mountain, Lake James, Lake Norman, Mount Mitchell, New River, South Mountains, and Stone Mountains state parks, as well as Mount Jefferson State Natural Area and Rendezvous Mountain. More information can be found at dncr.nc.gov.
  • Over 2,000 NCDOT employees are responding to the crisis in Western North Carolina. More than 670 roads have been reopened, including sections of Interstate 40 near Old Fort and downtown Asheville, as well as I-26 in Henderson and Polk counties, providing much-needed relief to residents and businesses. However, challenges remain, with many road closures still in effect. NCDOT staff are nearing completion of preliminary damage assessments to inform ongoing recovery efforts. Read more at ncdot.gov.
  • Attorney General Josh Stein announced that the NC Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Division phone line is open for people to report price gouging or other Helene-related concerns. Report by calling 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or go to www.ncdoj.gov/pricegouging. 
  • NC Department of Environmental Quality advises those participating in cleanup activities to be cautious due to environmental hazards, including risks from drinking water and flood waters. Cleanup efforts must also adhere to regulations to ensure contamination is not spread. Learn more.
  • NC Forest Service has resources for landowners in less impacted areas that have broken or fallen limbs, downed trees and debris  to remove.
  • Information and resources for farms and agribusinesses can be accessed through the NC Department of Agriculture Emergency Programs page.

Helene News and Media

Hurricane Helene Press Releases

Hurricane Helene Press Releases

Governor Cooper Highlights Tourism Industry in Western North Carolina at Grandfather Mountain, Surveys Storm Damage in Avery County
Governor Cooper Surveys Storm Damage in Polk County, Joins First Lady of the United States Jill Biden in Asheville as Unprecedented Response to Helene Continues
Governor Cooper Proposes $3.9 Billion in State Funding to Spur Hurricane Helene Relief and Recovery
Governor Cooper Urges Western North Carolinians to Enroll in Disaster Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) as Relief Efforts Continue
View all press releases

Hurricane Helene Response Photo Album

Photos of the State Emergency Response Team during Helene rescue, recovery and relief operations.