Hurricane Helene Updates

Travel Advisory Western NC Update

November 14, 2024  |  Source: VisitNC

Recovery from Hurricane Helene is ongoing in the mountain and foothill regions of North Carolina. Most highways in Western North Carolina are open with many destinations ready and welcoming visitors for fall travel. However, some roads remain closed or have restrictions. Of particular note:

• I-40 is closed in both directions from Mile Marker 20 (US 276 west of Lake Junaluska) to Mile Marker 0 at the Tennessee state line.
• I-26 has reopened at the Tennessee state line with one lane open in both directions. Restrictions and detours remain in place for through truck traffic and wide loads. 
• DriveNC.gov provides current road conditions throughout the region including alternate route recommendations for through traffic on I-40 and I-26. 

If you are considering a visit to Western North Carolina, contact the community and businesses you want to visit to ensure they are open and welcoming visitors, and consult DriveNC.gov to identify open roads and a safe route to your destination. You can also stay up to date using the Visit NC Travel Advisory page. 
 

How You May Help/Donate

If you’re able and willing to donate to relief efforts for those affected in Western North Carolina, the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting contributions.

The NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund, managed by the NCRLA Foundation, is accepting contributions. All funds raised will go directly to support restaurant and hotel employees in Western North Carolina facing significant financial hardship in the aftermath of the storm. You may donate directly to the fund or consider establishing fundraising efforts in your business and remitting proceeds directly to the NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund.

The North Carolina Arts Foundation is accepting contributions to further their assistance to artists and arts organizations affected by Hurricane Helene. 

The Red Cross said the timeline for recovery and the support needed in the affected communities will be different based on the location and timing. Initial needs, such as water, food and diapers, have eased and now manpower, like the Yarbroughs, is the most sought-after resource. The Red Cross is looking for volunteers who can help for a few days or even a couple of hours in the remaining shelters and Community Care Centers, helping clean, serve meals, distribute supplies and more. Email VolunteerHelene@redcross.org or visit redcross.org/local/north-carolina/volunteer to find out how you can help.
 

If you are aware of a business in Lake Norman that is offering ways to support Western North Carolina and would like additional information added to this page, please contact us at visitorcenter@lakenorman.org