ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Over three weeks since the remnants of Hurricane Helene impacted western North Carolina, Biltmore Estate, a major attraction and employer in the region, has announced it will reopen on November 2, as stated by the company.

The flooding caused by Helene severely affected parts of the Biltmore property, damaging its entrance and several low-lying structures. According to a message from the estate on social media, some animals did not survive the storm, but the majority are safe and accounted for.

Fortunately, other areas of the estate, including the iconic Biltmore House, the conservatory, winery, gardens, and the hotels, suffered little to no damage.

The reopening will kick off the estate’s holiday season. Biltmore covers an expansive 8,000 acres and employs around 2,400 people. While the Biltmore House and various attractions will welcome guests, the company is still in the process of cleaning up the trails and forested sections impacted by the storm. Furthermore, the outdoor adventure center will remain shut until further notice.

“We are deeply thankful for the overwhelming support from the community and for the efforts of our first responders and volunteers,” said Bill Cecil Jr., president and CEO of Biltmore, in a statement. “As we begin the recovery process, reopening to guests not only signifies our return but also provides essential support to the region’s economy, benefiting local employees, businesses, and community members.”

No deaths from the storm have been reported among the staff, Marissa Jamison, a spokesperson for Biltmore, informed the Citizen Times on October 19. While all staff members have checked in, some have unfortunately lost their homes due to the storm, Jamison added.

Some staff members are currently without work, at least for the time being.

Due to a “notable drop in tourism expected to continue for a while,” Biltmore, one of Buncombe County’s primary employers, has furloughed an unspecified number of employees, as noted by Jamison.

However, she assured that these furloughs are temporary, and employees will be brought back “in phases following the reopening.”

Hurricane Helene made landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida on September 26 and then moved inland, leaving a wide path of destruction across the Southeast. The storm caused billions of dollars in damages and resulted in at least 228 fatalities, marking it as the deadliest hurricane since Katrina in 2005.