CHIMNEY ROCK, NC – A month after the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina, Chimney Rock is on the path to recovery. Businesses, homeowners, and dedicated volunteers are working tirelessly to clear the mud and debris left behind by the historic flooding. New satellite imagery reveals the profound impact of the disaster, illustrating how the landscape southeast of Asheville has been dramatically reshaped.
Chimney Rock experienced catastrophic conditions as Hurricane Helene unleashed between one and two feet of rain. The Broad River, which flows through the heart of the community along Main Street, overflowed its banks with immense force. The surging waters obliterated roads, uprooted trees, and ravaged buildings that stood in the river’s path.
Satellite image comparison of Chimney Rock, NC, showing Main Street and Broad River before and after Hurricane Helene flooding. The post-flood image reveals significant changes to the river's course and surrounding landscape.
Satellite images captured by NOAA on October 2nd vividly illustrate the destructive trail of the flooding along Main Street and the expansive new course carved out by the Broad River. Comparing these images to those from February, the stark contrast is evident. Where lush green trees once lined Main Street, separating it from the river, now lies a landscape dramatically altered by the floodwaters. The aerial perspective underscores the sheer scale of the devastation and the significant rebuilding challenge facing the community.
From the ground, the damage is palpable. But seen from above, the satellite images emphasize that the flooding has fundamentally altered the geography around which Chimney Rock must rebuild. Mayor Peter O’Leary of Chimney Rock affirmed the community’s commitment to recovery in a statement to FOX Weather. He noted that even a month after the initial flooding, significant efforts were underway to remove the pervasive mud and begin anew.
Brandy Campbell, FOX Weather Correspondent, reported from Chimney Rock on Wednesday, witnessing firsthand the extensive cleanup efforts. City Serve, a volunteer organization, had deployed numerous volunteers to assist in gutting flood-damaged buildings.
Aerial view of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, on October 7, 2024, displaying widespread destruction after Hurricane Helene, highlighting the extensive damage across the town.
Shane Zoccole, spearhead of City Serve, explained that the initial phase of restoration involves removing mud and treating for mold, crucial steps before reconstruction can commence. “We recognize the fighting spirit of a town when we arrive,” Zoccole stated, “and if they are resilient, we will stand and fight alongside them. We are committed to staying as long as we are needed, until we can confidently drive through a revitalized town.”
HELENE IMPACTS FALL FOLIAGE SEASON IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
However, the road to recovery is lengthy. April Schick, owner of April’s Boutique in Chimney Rock, shared the growing realization within the community that recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint. “You just have to keep moving forward, step by step,” Schick said. “It only really hit me a few days ago that my business is gone… it’s a real blow to morale.”
NOAA satellite image slider comparing Chimney Rock's Main Street before and after the Hurricane Helene flooding in October 2024, demonstrating the dramatic changes in the landscape.
Many communities in western North Carolina are facing uncertain timelines for full restoration due to the widespread damage to essential infrastructure, including roads and bridges. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has identified over 7,300 locations where roads and bridges sustained damage from Hurricane Helene. Despite the scale of the damage, NCDOT crews have successfully reopened 760 roads across western North Carolina since the storm.
Destroyed houses in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, photographed on October 2, 2024, illustrating the residential damage caused by Hurricane Helene's floodwaters.
“Current damage estimates are already in the billions of dollars, and we are still assessing the full extent,” announced North Carolina Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins. “The damage to our transportation infrastructure is unprecedented, unlike anything we have witnessed after previous storms. This will be a long and complex recovery operation. However, we are committed to remaining here and supporting Western North Carolina until the region is back on its feet.”
