Hurricane Helene made landfall on Thursday, September 26th, as a Category 4 storm. The storm made landfall in Northwestern Florida before moving through Georgia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee. The ensuing winds and heavy rains brought with it unimaginable flooding and damage to small towns in the storm’s path.
Western North Carolina and parts of Tennessee were hit particularly hard. The mountainous terrain caused severe flooding and landslides as runoff quickly filled the rivers and reservoirs. National Guard, local law enforcement, and search and rescue are hard at work rescuing people. As the people of the affected communities look to rebuild, here is what we know so far, and here is how to help.
News Updates:
We will continue to update this post as we have more information.
- After making landfall, Helene has brought nearly two feet of rain to Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.
- Excess rainfall and runoff have caused reservoirs to overflow and rivers to flood over their banks.
- The Watagua River in Tennessee has reached a flow of over 30,000 CFS compared to normal flows of between 30 and 50 CFS. Damage along its banks is catastrophic.
- The Douglas Dam near Sevierville, TN, on the French Broad River, has reached recorded discharges to keep up with water.
- The South Holston River Dam is discharging at 3500 CFS until further notice.
- Lake Lure Dam is under watch for imminent failure.
- Nolichicky Reservoir is under watch for imminent failure.
- Interstate 40 is impassible due to flooding and road damage.
- An estimated 360,000 people are without power, and expected to be for weeks.
- Over 600 people are unaccounted for as search and rescue efforts continue.
- The National Guard is on the scene, actively helping conduct search and rescue efforts.
How to Help:
In the face of tragedy, Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee can use all the support they can get. These locations are world-class fisheries, and the fly shops and guides that call this place home and their communities have a long road ahead of them. If you’d like to support the hard-working men and women of the affected areas, we can’t urge you enough to donate to the following organizations:
- American Red Cross: The American Red Cross has deployed its disaster responders to the path of Helene’s destruction. Donations will support their efforts and the supplies needed to help these communities recover.
- Worldwide Angler Relief Fund (WARF): The IGFA and Costa Sunglasses created WARF in 2017 to provide financial aid to local charter captains, guides, and outfitters after major natural disasters. To date, the WARF has distributed $305,000 to recreational angling associations and is actively raising money for Helene Relief.
- Guide Relief Program: A nonprofit specific to supporting fishing guides. At a time when guiding is on hold for the foreseeable future, donations will be used to help support local guides and their livelihoods.
- Gofundme: Specific to Western North Carolina, this gofundme has been started by pilots flying supplies to the affected areas while roads are closed and debris cleared.
