Hurricane Helene

Officials are distributing $22.7 million in interest-free Cashflow Loans to eight governments across Watauga, Rutherford, Haywood, Madison and Polk counties.

This weekend in Boone, a program featuring local poets, writers, and performers will recognize and pay tribute to the resilience of High Country residents.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission usually starts stocking waters with trout for a program called Delayed Harvest in October. But staff say there aren’t enough this year. Officials with The Armstrong State Fish Hatchery in Marion estimate they lost about 70% of the fish since June.

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.