Residents of Asheville brace for heavy rainfall while continuing recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.
Asheville faces a severe weather warning as heavy rains are forecasted this weekend, complicating recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. Local communities are still recovering with over 1,000 work orders pending. As many businesses struggle post-storm, officials are urging for government support. The weather conditions pose additional challenges for residents and recovery workers alike.
Asheville, prepare for some serious weather this weekend! Heavy rains are on the way for western North Carolina and the beautiful Appalachians, and don’t forget, these area folks are still piecing things back together after Hurricane Helene hit a few months ago. Meteorologists are expecting this weekend’s rainfall to possibly be the highest two-day totals since that storm caused havoc three months ago.
Friday might just start with scattered showers and a couple of isolated downpours. Buckle up, though, as heavier rains are lurking right around the corner! A new low-pressure center will grace us on Saturday, affecting the Great Lakes while leaving western North Carolina drenched in steady, relentless rain.
To add to the excitement, a strong weather system bringing potential tornadoes is set to sweep into the Ohio Valley and Appalachians on Sunday. Asheville residents should be prepared as some areas might see a soaking of 2 to 3 inches of rain. But hold on tight, because localized regions in the terraced mountains could receive a whopping 3 to 5 inches!
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center has placed the Helene recovery zone under a Level 1 to Level 2 severe weather threat. That means folks should be on guard for damaging winds and isolated tornado activity, coupled with strong thunderstorms.
On the recovery front, things are still buzzing with nearly 1,000 work orders lined up for ongoing recovery efforts. A lot of victims from Hurricane Helene were caught off guard by the unexpected level of damage. Many were underinsured and shockingly few had the luxury of flood insurance.
Volunteers are pouring in from all over, helping with tree cutting, mucking out homes, and rebuilding structures for families who are left in the lurch. The community spirit is truly inspiring, but the reality is harsh.
The economic impact of the storm casts a long shadow, particularly as visitor spending is projected to plummet by $585 million in Asheville and Buncombe County during the first quarter of 2025. The tourism revenue has dwindled to about **20% of what it was before** the storm struck, leaving multiple local businesses in dire straits.
Some well-loved establishments, including Pleb Urban Winery and the restaurant Vivian, have sadly closed for good due to the devastating storm damage. After natural disasters, around 40% of small businesses never bounce back. With the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this storm has been an extra punch in the gut for many local enterprises.
Take the Asheville Adventure Company, for example. Before the storm, they proudly employed roughly 100 staff members, but that number has shrunk dramatically post-Hurricane Helene. Town officials are stepping up, calling out for *government aid and local support* to help with the recovery journey.
Helping hands are emerging, with over $600,000 raised so far for hospitality workers impacted by the storm through the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. A recent federal spending bill has cleared the way for $100 billion earmarked for disaster relief, which will assist local businesses through the Small Business Administration.
The community’s need for ongoing funding and support remains crucial as businesses grapple with staffing challenges and financial losses. Leaders in Asheville are stressing the importance of community resilience, emphasizing that tourist visits are vital for economic recovery.
Housing projects for hurricane survivors are ongoing, including the construction of cozy tiny homes, each costing about $6,000. So far, a total of 20 units have been built, continuing the ambitious effort to provide shelter for those in need.
Despite the storm leaving behind a heavy toll, which included 43 lives lost in Buncombe County and significant interruptions to water access lasting until mid-November, the spirit of Asheville remains strong. Local lawmakers are advocating for additional federal help to continue these critical recovery efforts, echoing the support seen in past disaster relief programs.
Stay safe, Asheville! The stormy weather is approaching, but the community continues to stand strong, supporting each other through the recovery journey!
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