Latest news on Asheville flooding: Everything to know about what is happening in Western NC

Joyce Orlando, USA TODAY NETWORK
Updated ·6 min read
The destroyed River Arts District in Asheville, N.C. along the French Broad River on Oct. 1, 2024 in the aftermath of flooding caused by the remnants of Hurricane Helene

There is a lot of information coming out of Western North Carolina as efforts to help those still isolated after the Helene devastated the area continue, we are working to make finding the information you need easier.

There is still much going on in terms of the aftermath of this storm and an even longer road ahead when it comes to terms of recovery. Below you will find links to articles containing everything from where to get food and water to how different areas in the western part of the state are fairing.

Here's everything that you need to know about what is happening and where to find water, wifi, food and more in Asheville and Western North Carolina as of Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Where can I find food, water, Wi-Fi near me?

Communities across Western North Carolina are looking for the essentials to survive and let their loved ones know that they are alive and safe for now.

Help in a hurry: Quick guide to finding essentials in Asheville after flooding from Helene

Water in Buncombe County: Buncombe County continues search and rescue after Helene, more consistent water supplies on the way

Cell service resotration: Cell service is still out in Western North Carolina: No set timeline for restoration

Where to find gas,essentials: What’s open in Western NC? Where to get gas, groceries and more in Helene aftermath

Asheville aid map

You can also find where resources are located on our interactive map below.

Where can I find a shelter?

As of Tuesday morning, 29 emergency shelters were open in the affected areas of the state with more than 1,000 people staying in them. The western part of the state has multiple shelters open for people needing them.

Shelter in South Asheville: In response to Helene, American Red Cross setting up 150-bed shelter in South Asheville

Death toll continues to rise

As of Tuesday afternoon, Buncombe County confirmed that 57 people have died in the county. That number continues to rise. There also have been six confirmed deaths in Henderson County and one in Macon County.

More: North Carolina live updates: Buncombe County death toll climbs to 57, sheriff says.

Helene recovery: How to help in Western NC

Recovery from Helene is going to be a long, long road for many. Efforts have already started to clean-up communities and help neighbors re-build in their beloved mountains.

Recovery starts: Helene recovery in NC. Everything to know about safe cleanup, medication, mold and more

How to help: How to help Asheville, North Carolina storm and flood victims: Where to donate, what to do (and what not to)

Finding loved ones: Many still unaccounted for as flood water receded and areas are searched

Many are still unaccounted for after days of rescue efforts. People are looking for all avenues to make sure their loved ones are somewhere alive and safe for now. Here are some of the efforts taking place to try and find them.

Finding the missing: More than 12,000 requests for help: Volunteers search for missing people after Helene

Missing in Western NC: Finding loved ones after Helene: People use social media to find missing family, friends in Western North Carolina

Sign up for SMS texts for latest information from the aftermath of Helene

Sign up here: Sign up for text message updates and crucial information in Hurricane Helene's aftermath

Road conditions in Western NC: Road closures and which roads are being used to evacuate

Hundreds of major and minor roads are still closed after being washed away completely or being engulfed by landslides or so clogged with debris it's hard to tell a road even exists. Here are the latest road updates in the mountains.

Road closures as of Tuesday: Road closures in Western NC: Map and which roads you can evacuate on

I-40 update: I-40 collapse: How long will interstate be closed? Alternate routes between North Carolina-Tennessee

Latest power outage map for Asheville, Western North Carolina

Thousands across Western North Carolina are still without power and it may be some time before it comes through to some. Duke Energy estimates most counties affected by Helene will have power by the end of the week. Here's where it stands now.

  • Avery - 60% (805) of customers without power; no change from Sept. 30

  • Buncombe - 53% (78,593) of customers without power; outage numbers down 11%

  • Burke - 60% (13,606) of customers without power; down 10%

  • Caldwell - 42% (10,212) of customers without power; down 13%

  • Catawba - 11% (8,610) of customers without power; down 7%

  • Cleveland - 51% (16,902) of customers without power; down 11%

  • Haywood - 22% (5,651) of customers without power; down 14%

  • Henderson - 80% (55,121) of customers without power; down 3%

  • Jackson - 12% (3,219) of customers without power; down 2%

  • Macon - 5% (1,434) of customers without power; down 4%

  • Madison - 62% (407) of customers without power; no change

  • McDowell - 67% (13,232) of customers without power; down 20%

  • Mitchell - 84% (4,700) of customers without power; no change

  • Polk - 100% (8,643) of customers without power; no change

  • Rutherford - 83% (23,705) of customers without power; down 8%

  • Transylvania - 64% (10,799) of customers without power; down 7%

  • Wilkes - 5% (1,568) of customers without power; down 10%, estimated time of recovery 10 p.m. Oct. 1

  • Yancey - 73% (472) of customers without power; no change

Take a look at the latest outage map below.

Power outage map as of Tuesday: Here's where power is still out in Western North Carolina

Updates on: Waynesville, Mills River, Chimney Rock, Banner Elk, Marshall, more

Asheville isn't the only community that is picking up the pieces. Western North Carolina has dozens of small towns and incorporated areas that are usually a haven for tourists and locals alike. Some, like Marshall, North Carolina, still are flooded, others barely have a town left.

Here are some of the latest updates from other communities in the western part of the Tar Heel state.

Town by town look: What is happening in Western NC? Here's town by town look at the latest in areas hit by Helene

Hendersonville community comes together: As Helene devastated a Hendersonville community, neighbors banded together to provide aid

Canton bounce back: Community Kitchen, like Canton, will bounce back after Helene, board chair says

Black Mountain residents find unity: Helene in Black Mountain: 'Neighbors helping neighbors' as more aid comes in

What breweries in Asheville were damaged?

Asheville has become home to a plethora of breweries over the years and many did not make it unscathed by Helene. Here's how some are fairing at this point.

Breweries devastated: Asheville breweries 'devastated' by Helene flooding: 'Closed indefinitely'

President Joe Biden to visit Western NC Wednesday, VP Kamala Harris coming soon

President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit the Carolinas on Wednesday. He is expected to take an aerial tour of areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, receive operational briefings, and meet with first responders and local officials, the White House said.

A White House official confirmed that Vice President Kamala Harris will also be coming to Western North Carolina in the coming days.

— Staff Reports

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Latest news on Asheville, Western NC flooding: Everything to know