"They’ve Never Seen Anything Like This Before": 15 Photos That Show How Badly Asheville, North Carolina Was Hit By Helene

Joseph Longo

30 September 2024 at 3:55 pm·2-min read

1.On Sunday, President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for North Carolina following devastating and historic rainfall and flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

A bridge has collapsed over a river, with shipping containers and debris scattered on and around it. Trees surround the bridge, and construction equipment is in the background — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

2.Helene was a Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday. According to the New York Times, its impact extended into Tennessee and caused 600 miles of destruction.

Two U-Haul trucks heavily damaged, crashed against trees and debris, seemingly after a natural disaster like a flood or landslide — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

3.One of the areas hit hardest was Asheville, a city in western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Flooded area with submerged buildings, trees, and muddy water. Only the tops of some lower-lying structures and foliage are visible above the floodwaters. A lone person walks along train tracks in the foreground — Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images

4.Asheville is located in Buncombe County, and according to CBS News, officials reported on Monday that 35 people have died in the county as a result of Helene.

Flooded road with a fallen utility pole and debris tangled in wires. Trees line the road, and a few utility poles are still standing — Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images

5.According to an Associated Press report from Saturday, the city became isolated after the storm destroyed roads and caused major power outages.

A fallen utility pole with tangled wires on a concrete barrier, surrounded by debris and damaged trees, likely due to severe weather. A yellow vehicle is in the background — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

6.On Sunday, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety reported 280 "state-maintained roads" in the region were closed.

A flood-damaged Walgreens and surrounding area with debris, broken pavement, and water pools. Trees and hills are visible in the background — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

7.The AP also reported on Monday that supplies were being airlifted to isolated regions of western North Carolina.

A utility truck works on a muddy street in front of a flood-damaged building. Fallen debris and a downed street sign are visible in the foreground — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

8.National Weather Service meteorologist Doug Outlaw told the Asheville Citizen Times on Sunday that western North Carolina saw record rainfall of 17.31 inches over the past three days.

Flooded town with water submerging buildings and streets, power lines hanging low. Trees and debris are scattered, with no people visible — Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images

9.Helene's impact set a new September rainfall record for the area in just three days, up from the previous 13.71 inches in 2004.

Flood in Western N.C. has destroyed homes, bridges, roads, and businesses. The image shows a damaged historical marker describing the impact of the flood — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

10.Asheville is home to two notable rivers, the French Broad and the Swannanoa, both of which are reported to have flooded.

A fish lies on a muddy street with houses and a car blurred in the background — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

11.The Citizen Times reported that, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Swannanoa River, which runs through Biltmore, "crested" at 26.1 feet on Friday. This is reportedly six feet above the previous record of 20.7 feet. Here's what the Swannanoa River looked like on Sunday:

A white van is submerged in floodwaters surrounded by debris, tree branches, and a partially flooded street. Buildings are visible in the background — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

12.Biltmore Village, an area of the city near the famed Biltmore Estate, was among the regions that experienced damage.

A brick building with severe structural damage and debris scattered around it, with Tudor-style homes visible in the background — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

13.On Monday, Biden spoke to reporters at the White House about Helene's devastation, saying he planned to visit affected areas so long as he wouldn't disrupt relief efforts.

Debris from a destroyed building piled against a brick building after a natural disaster. Bent utility pole leaning on the debris. Overcast sky — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

14.Biden did not specify the affected areas he may visit.

A U-Haul truck is overturned and lodged among trees along a muddy riverbank after a recent disaster — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

15."This is [a] historic storm. It's devastating. They've never seen anything like this before," he said, per Deadline.

Flood damage in a town, with debris, an overturned truck, and visible McDonald's and other buildings surrounded by trees in the background — Sean Rayford / Getty Images

Recovery resources for Asheville can be found here. If you're interested in donating, the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations here.

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