Back Home30 Days After Helene
I wanted to give you a brief update on the state of roads and towns in Western North Carolina after the tropical storm on September 27th. Here in the Maggie Valley/ Waynesville area things are getting back to normal for most of us. There are still many, though, who are homeless and hurting after losing either their homes or many of their possessions. Some of the motels and homes along the creek here in Maggie Valley were flooded, or somewhat damaged by the storm. Repairs are being made, parking lots have been cleaned, and down trees removed for the most part. In Waynesville, the Frog Level area was really flooded. Even there however, businesses have cleaned and repaired and now are open for business. For instance, Frog Level Brewery is open again and welcoming customers. As downtown Waynesville was built on somewhat of a ridge, or hill, most businesses there escaped damage all together. The towns of Canton and Clyde were both flooded with considerable damage to businesses and private homes. Canton really has a long road ahead for recovery. Our hearts go out for those who lost businesses, homes, and even loved ones.
It seems the national news really focuses on the damage in Asheville. And there was a very large amount of damage in the River Arts District along the French Broad River as well as the Biltmore Village Area along the Swannanoa River in Asheville. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville had some damage near the entrance in Biltmore Village as well as the low-lying pasture areas and forests in the estate. The Biltmore Estate is now back open for business. It may be some time before business in the Biltmore Village near the river are open again, as there was extensive flooding. However, most businesses in downtown Asheville were not affected, except to be without water. The municipal water system in Asheville really took a hit. Repairs are on-going. May areas have water, but still no potable water. This seems to be improving daily. The schools in Asheville are back open this week.
Some areas in Western NC suffered tremendous losses. Bat Cave, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Marshall, Yancy County along the Toe River, Spruce Pine, and Hot Springs are towns that are not yet ready for visitors, unless you are coming to help. On the subject of help, we have had volunteers from as far away as Canada. We cannot thank these volunteers enough for their help. Also, FEMA has been here from the start and is helping with both short-term and long-term solutions for those who lost so much.
Remember, if you are coming to the area, I-40 to Tennessee is closed due to losing the east-bound lanes in the Pigeon River Gorge. It may be September 2025 before I-40 is back open. Also, I-26 north of Asheville lost sections of bridges near Erwin Tennessee. So, I-26 North is closed going to Tennessee. Currently to get to Tennesse you can travel US Hwy 74 to Cherokee and take Hwy 441 across the Smoky Mountains National Park to Gatlinburg. Keep in mind that no commercial vehicles are allowed on Hwy 441 through the park.
Conditions are fluid and change daily. If you have questions about travel, call us. We’re happy to help.
