Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across several Southeastern states six months ago, causing at least $78 billion in damages and displacing thousands. The Category 4 storm, which made landfall on September 26, 2024, with 140 mph winds, contributed to 249 fatalities and catastrophic flooding. Efforts to recover have been challenged by a subsequent hurricane, Milton. FEMA now anticipates up to $7 billion in flood insurance claims, predominantly from Florida. Communities, particularly in western North Carolina, are still grappling with extensive destruction, while some areas are showing signs of recovery.
"Some places, you can see a big difference. A lot of the debris has been removed, places are back open, parking lots are open, people are shopping," state Rep. Lindsey Prather told NC Newsline.
"And then in other places, there's still feet-high boulders and there's still some, you know, a few roads that are closed. I-40 still isn't fully open at the Tennessee line."
FEMA projected up to $7 billion in flood insurance claim payments. The losses include flood claims received from six states, with the majority coming from Florida.
The hurricane caused about $78.7 billion in damages, with thousands left homeless and 249 lives lost, according to the National Hurricane Center.
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