It’s been nearly three weeks since tropical storm Helene hit western North Carolina, flooding homes, washing away roads and upending the rural mountain towns in its path. But throughout this period of upheaval, educators have been working with kids to restore a sense of normalcy — if only for a few hours in the day.
Appalachian State University resumed classes today after being closed for a little less than three weeks due to Helene. But for students who lost their homes and belongings in the storm, returning to school isn’t easy.
This nonprofit started small over 40 years ago but now has a staff of more than 20, including two dietitians and a pharmacist, providing medicines and healthy food to people across the region.
Watauga County officials say two residents were killed by landslides after Helene swept through mountain communities. Numerous other injuries have been attributed to the storm or clean-up efforts.
Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage to Watauga County homes, roads and buildings. Schools have been closed this week as a result, but it may be a long time before some of them reopen.
Watauga County residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, but for those in need of shelter, food, water and other resources, here is a list of locations offering support during this time.
N.C. 105 is a vital link carrying more than 20,000 vehicles a day between Boone and tourist areas like Valle Crucis and Grandfather and Sugar mountains. And that could grow to 40,000 in the next 10 years.