CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. – The picturesque town of Chimney Rock, nestled southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, has been ravaged by the destructive force of Hurricane Helene. Torrential rainfall, amounting to an estimated 1 to 2 feet, unleashed catastrophic flooding, leaving a trail of destruction across this beloved community. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left homes and businesses in ruins, particularly those situated along the banks of the Broad River, which winds through the heart of Chimney Rock. The river’s dramatic swell, almost doubling in width, has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of this iconic location, leaving many to grapple with the extent of the damage and the path to recovery after Chimney Rock was destroyed.
Chimney Rock Mayor Peter O’Leary, in a recent interview with FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar, conveyed the stark reality of the situation. Despite the overwhelming devastation that has seen Chimney Rock Destroyed, Mayor O’Leary offered a message of resilience, emphasizing the unwavering commitment of the town to rebuild and restore their community.
Homes destroyed by flooding after Hurricane Helene in Chimney Rock, North Carolina.
Homes destroyed by flooding after Hurricane Helene in Chimney Rock, North Carolina.
(ALLISON JOYCE/AFP)
Mayor O’Leary highlighted the swift and crucial recovery actions already underway. Reconstruction of the main road artery through Chimney Rock has been prioritized, enabling residents and business owners to return to their properties and begin the arduous task of cleaning up and assessing the damage caused when Chimney Rock was destroyed.
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The response to the crisis has been a collaborative effort, with diverse groups uniting to support Chimney Rock. From the U.S. Army and the Department of Transportation to dedicated volunteers, assistance has poured in to bolster the recovery process. Mayor O’Leary emphasized the profound impact of this support, noting the significant progress made in aiding shop owners as they embark on the challenging journey of rebuilding their livelihoods after seeing Chimney Rock destroyed.
“They’ve gotten so much work done in such a short period of time with all these volunteers,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of help. “It’s very uplifting.”
However, amidst the progress, uncertainty looms regarding the timeline for Chimney Rock’s full recovery. The extent of the damage after Chimney Rock was destroyed presents significant challenges.
Aerial view of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, showcasing the extensive flooding and devastation from Hurricane Helene.
Aerial view of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, showcasing the extensive flooding and devastation from Hurricane Helene.
(Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari /TMX / FOX Weather)
“For the business owners who are all just mom-and-pop operations, there’s still so many unknowns,” O’Leary explained, highlighting the precarious situation facing local enterprises in the wake of Chimney Rock destroyed. “They don’t know if they can open in six months or a year. It’s just, it’s hard on them and hard to figure out how they’re going to move forward from this.”
The destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene and the fact that Chimney Rock was destroyed will have considerable repercussions for tourism, a vital economic engine for the town. The disruption to businesses and infrastructure threatens to impact the fall leaf-peeping season and beyond.
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Despite the daunting road ahead and the reality that Chimney Rock was destroyed, Mayor O’Leary maintains a hopeful outlook for the future of Chimney Rock. He underscored the community’s unwavering spirit and commitment to overcoming adversity.
“It’s going to take a long time. But again, we’re hopeful,” he affirmed. “We do what we can every day, step by step,” encapsulating the determined and resilient spirit of Chimney Rock as they begin to rebuild after this devastating event.
