Charlotte, NC — Hurricane Helene battered North Carolina and much of the Southeast this week, delivering record-breaking rainfall. Busick, a small community in western North Carolina, experienced the heaviest impact, with more than 30 inches of rain recorded from Wednesday through Saturday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that Busick received 30.78 inches of rain, the highest total across the Southeast. Communities nearby also experienced significant flooding, with Mount Mitchell State Park recording 24.20 inches and Boone seeing 20.12 inches. Residents in these areas have been advised to remain vigilant due to potential flash flooding and mudslides as the heavy rain continues to saturate the ground.
According to the NWS, these totals are preliminary but highlight the unprecedented nature of Hurricane Helene’s impact. Local emergency services have been mobilized to assist residents affected by flooding and damage.
Though North Carolina bore the brunt of the storm, other Southeastern states were also severely impacted. In Georgia, Tallulah recorded 14.22 inches of rain, and in South Carolina, Table Rock received 14.34 inches. Tennessee saw heavy rainfall as well, with Benton reporting nearly 10 inches. Virginia communities also faced flooding risks, with rainfall totals near 9.5 inches.
The NWS cautioned that these rainfall totals remain under review and may change after proper quality control checks. Despite this, the sheer volume of rain has already caused significant disruption in North Carolina and surrounding areas. Local officials are urging residents to follow safety advisories and stay away from flooded roads.
The cleanup and recovery efforts are expected to take weeks as communities grapple with the extensive damage left in Hurricane Helene’s wake.
