Greenville, SC — Tropical Storm Helene caused severe wind damage across the Carolinas, with wind gusts reaching 106 mph in some areas. The strongest winds were recorded at Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, as Helene’s expansive wind field battered the region late last week.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Helene’s winds, peaking at 106 mph, uprooted trees and caused significant structural damage, especially in the mountainous areas. Other parts of the Carolinas, including South Carolina’s Fryin Pan Mountain, saw gusts up to 87 mph, contributing to widespread power outages and debris.
While brief tornadoes were confirmed earlier, the majority of the damage resulted from Helene’s sustained winds over several hours. NWS reported that the wind gusts were more powerful than typical storms, extending across a large portion of the Carolinas and even into parts of Georgia.
Officials continue to assess the damage, urging residents to stay cautious while crews work to restore power and clear debris. Although the storm has moved out, lingering dangers from fallen trees and damaged infrastructure remain.
