Hurricane Helene, a powerful storm that made landfall, brought unprecedented levels of rainfall to western North Carolina, causing widespread devastation in communities nestled in the mountains. Despite being far from the coast, these areas experienced catastrophic flooding, highlighting the hidden flood risks in regions with steep valleys.
The aftermath of the storm has been grim, with over 160 fatalities reported across six Southeastern states. The floodwaters wreaked havoc on infrastructure, cutting off communication lines, destroying roads, and leaving towns buried under debris and mud.
