Western NC grapples with aftermath of Helene: flooding, power outages, and road closures persist

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Hurricane Helene's devastation in North Carolina is being described as 'catastrophic'. A lot of cleanup still needs to be done.

Heavy rainfall hit the western part of the state hard, causing severe flooding, mudslides, collapsed roads and failing infrastructure.

Our ABC11 crew is at Biltmore Village in Asheville Monday morning, which saw significant flooding as Helene moved through Friday. Just outside the famous Biltmore mansion swiftly moving water from the overflowing Swannanoa River had reached above the hoods of vehicles.

When driving in, our crews said it was pitch black. There is still no power just like other areas across western North Carolina.

WATCH | Helene: Hundreds of thousands without power; death toll to rise

ABC11's Tamara Scott is in Swannanoa just outside of Asheville with the latest.

While most of the water has receded, crews are working to clean up the mud, debris and other damages. However, this is nowhere near the damage other areas have experienced.

"This is the most significant natural disaster that any one of us has ever seen in western North Carolina," Ryan Cole, Buncombe County assistant emergency services director, said.

Officials have confirmed at least 30 people across the state have died because of the storm. Cooper said Sunday this number is likely to rise as rescue efforts continue.

First responders say telephone, cellphone, and internet outages make it difficult for authorities to notify victims' families.

Dozens of people are still missing.

A Chapel Hill mother and son were reunited after not being able to reach each other in the immediate wake of Tropical Storm Helene.

On Saturday alone, an NC National Guard spokesperson said they rescued 117 people, including 11 animals, after 53 hours of flying.

Helene-related road issues remain Monday, the North Carolina Department of Transportation said. Travel in western NC should be for emergencies only. I-40 remains impassable in multiple locations. I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line.

These road closures make it difficult to deliver supplies and get people out.

Governor Roy Cooper will get a first-hand look at the devastation on Monday. President Joe Biden is also expected to visit western North Carolina over the next few days.

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