Asheville, NC Flooding: Death Toll Rises to 30 in Buncombe County, Power Restoration Expected by Friday

Asheville, North Carolina, and the surrounding Western North Carolina region are facing severe devastation following Tropical Storm Helene. Communities are grappling with flooded roads, destroyed homes, and widespread power outages as relief efforts continue. The disaster has caused massive disruption, with thousands of people without power and many still stranded. Authorities and residents are working hard to manage the crisis and rebuild in the aftermath of the storm.

Court Actions Postponed Due to Storm Impact

Due to the catastrophic conditions, North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby issued an order extending the time limits for filing documents in counties affected by the storm. Any legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and notices, that were due to be filed between September 26 and October 14 will be considered timely if filed by the end of business on October 14. This extension applies to both civil and criminal cases, as well as estates and special proceedings.

The counties impacted by this order include Buncombe, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Cleveland, Catawba, Clay, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.

Water Supply Efforts in Canton

In response to the crisis, Haywood County announced the availability of a water tanker at the Canton Plaza. Residents in need of water can bring their own containers, with a limit of one gallon per person per day. The tanker will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, September 30, providing some relief to residents without access to clean water due to the storm.

Death Toll Rises in Buncombe County

The death toll in Buncombe County continues to climb, with officials confirming 30 fatalities as of September 29. Earlier in the day, 10 deaths had been reported, but the number rose significantly as rescue and recovery efforts continued. Authorities are still conducting search operations in the hardest-hit areas, and they anticipate that the search may also turn into recovery efforts in the coming days.

Sheriff Quentin Miller of Buncombe County acknowledged the ongoing challenges, noting that the full extent of the damage may take time to uncover. Families across the region are anxiously waiting for news of missing loved ones as the situation remains dire.

Airlines Resuming Service at Asheville Regional Airport

Despite the devastation, some services are beginning to resume. Delta Airlines and United Airlines plan to restart flights on Monday, September 30, while American Airlines hopes to begin service with arriving and departing flights on Sunday night. However, officials warn that flight schedules could change at any time due to the unpredictable nature of the storm's aftermath. Travelers are urged to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to confirm their flight status.

With fuel shortages affecting ground transportation providers such as taxis, Uber, and Lyft, the airport has advised residents to plan alternative transportation options if they are picking up loved ones from the airport.

Temporary Cellular Service Downtown

Due to widespread communication issues, the City of Asheville is partnering with Verizon to provide a temporary cellular satellite trailer. The trailer will be stationed at the Family Justice Center on Woodfin Place and will offer limited cellular reception within several city blocks. This temporary solution will be operational by the afternoon of September 29 and aims to provide some much-needed connectivity for those without phone service.

Power Restoration Efforts Continue

Duke Energy announced that power is expected to be restored to the majority of customers by Friday evening, although repair efforts are still ongoing. Many areas have yet to receive estimated times for power restoration due to the extensive damage caused by the storm.

As of midday, large portions of Western North Carolina remain without power. In Buncombe County, 64% of residents (over 95,000 customers) are still without electricity. Other counties facing severe outages include Henderson, where 100% of customers are without power, and Rutherford, where 90% of residents are affected. Duke Energy is working tirelessly to restore power, but the sheer scale of the outages means it will take several more days for all areas to be fully reconnected.

Henderson County Reports Five Fatalities

Henderson County has also reported five confirmed deaths related to Tropical Storm Helene. As rescue efforts continue, the death toll may rise as more missing individuals are found. County officials are urging residents to stay safe and avoid dangerous areas as floodwaters slowly recede.

Biltmore Estate Remains Closed

The iconic Biltmore Estate, one of Asheville’s most famous attractions, will remain closed while damage from the storm is assessed. Flooding, impassable roads, and power outages have forced the historic site to temporarily shut its doors. The estate has asked visitors to check their website for updates on when they will reopen.

For those with pre-purchased tickets, the Biltmore Estate is offering the option to reschedule for another day or request a refund. Guests can contact the estate by phone or visit the reception center in person once it is safe to travel.

Residents Witness Unprecedented Flooding

As the storm battered Asheville, residents watched in disbelief as the Swannanoa River overflowed its banks, sweeping away cars, homes, and even billboards. Syd Yatteau, who was sheltering with her family near the river, recalled how the water rose rapidly, turning their neighborhood into a “giant moat.” Despite the rising waters, Yatteau said no evacuation order was given, leaving residents to fend for themselves as the river washed away entire houses.

Walking through the mud and debris in the aftermath, Yatteau described the scene as “surreal,” as she and her family tried to process the scale of the destruction.

Conclusion

The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene has left Asheville and surrounding areas in Western North Carolina reeling. As recovery efforts continue, residents face a long road ahead in rebuilding their homes, communities, and lives. With a rising death toll, widespread power outages, and ongoing rescue operations, it will take time for the full impact of the storm to be understood. For now, the people of Asheville and Western North Carolina are leaning on each other for support as they navigate the aftermath of this devastating natural disaster.