Hurricane Helene

Approaching the second anniversary of Hurricane Helene, conservation organizations and land managers continue their work rebuilding outdoor spaces that fuel ecotourism in western North Carolina. They're also fortifying them against future severe weather events.

FEMA is sending $137 million to western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene recovery and flood prevention.

Islands in the Sky documents the real-life experiences of Hurricane Helene survivors. WFDD’s Rachel Moody spoke with creator Andrew Aydin about amplifying local voices through comics.

Two Watauga high schoolers are building little free libraries to replace those lost after Hurricane Helene. They're inviting local kids to help in hopes of sparking a love of reading.

One of the last hiking trails still closed after Hurricane Helene has reopened to visitors.

Projects include the collection and disposal of non-hazardous debris from public and private properties, as well as the clearing and management of debris from streambanks, floodplains, farmland and parks.

Beginning this summer, National Park Service workers will start removing flammable tree debris along the Blue Ridge Parkway that was left in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The project is slated for completion next spring.

The funds will cover up to 50 percent of any documented repair costs for bridges or private roads.

The North Carolina House advanced another Hurricane Helene funding package on Thursday to address pressing needs in the mountains eight months after the storm caused historic flooding and destruction.

"Helene’s Unheard Warnings" is the title of a new ProPublica article that takes a deep dive into the catastrophic damage left behind by the storm. It also chronicles how, even with dire warnings from local and national outlets, Helene caught entire communities off guard.