Tropical Storm Helene struck western North Carolina and the Asheville region on September 27, leading to widespread power outages, breaches in dams and reservoirs, and numerous fallen trees.

Many people found themselves without cellular service and faced impassable roads, leaving them isolated or trapped in their homes.

Asheville, a city with a population of 95,000 near the Blue Ridge Mountains, experienced significant disruptions with minimal access to power, cell service, and water as of Monday.

Flooding Locations in the Asheville Area

This map illustrates the rainfall from Helene and the preceding days that contributed to the extensive flooding.

Rainfall Totals in Western North Carolina

Areas near the Blue Ridge Mountains, including Asheville, saw nearly 14 inches of rain through Friday, September 27.

Other parts of the state recorded more than 2 feet of rainfall, such as Busick with nearly 31 inches and Spruce Pine with 24.12 inches as of 8 a.m. Saturday.

The National Weather Service shared the following rainfall totals for various locations by 8 a.m. local time on Saturday:

• Waynesville – 11.14 inches
• Mount Mitchell – 11.22 inches
• Highlands – 14.86 inches
• Grandfather Mountain – 15.42 inches
• Candler – 16.18 inches
• Mountain Home – 17.09 inches
• Davidson River – 18.02 inches
• Hendersonville – 21.96 inches
• Spruce Pine – 24.12 inches
• Busick – 30.78 inches