Helene's Fury: One Year Later, NOAA Reveals Shocking Details!
Remembering Hurricane Helene: A Year of Reflection and Recovery
One year after Hurricane Helene devastated Southern Appalachia, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released an interactive story map offering a comprehensive look back at the disaster. The storm, which made landfall in late September 2024, brought catastrophic flooding and landslides to the region, leaving a trail of destruction and loss in its wake.
The NOAA story map, titled “Helene in Southern Appalachia,” details the events leading up to the hurricane, the storm's progression, and the resulting devastation. It also provides a timeline of the ongoing recovery efforts and highlights NOAA’s contributions to mitigating the effects of future disasters.
The Path of Destruction
Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26, 2024, after a prior rain event, and then tracked northward, unleashing heavy rain and strong winds across Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas before dissipating two days later. The hurricane caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure due to catastrophic flooding and landslides. Over 200 people lost their lives, and thousands more saw their homes damaged or destroyed. Many communities were left without essential services like power and running water for over a month.
The total damage caused by Hurricane Helene is estimated at $78.7 billion, making it the seventh-costliest U.S. tropical cyclone since 1980. Scientists have classified the event as a 1-in-1000-year occurrence, highlighting its exceptional severity.
A Community Remembers
Several events are being held across Asheville and Western North Carolina to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene. These include art exhibits, documentary screenings, and community gatherings. The Town of Woodfin held a community gathering on September 18th. The Mountain Strong Mini Classic was held on September 20th to support recovery efforts in Yancey and Mitchell counties.
What is a Story Map?
NOAA's story map utilizes the ArcGIS StoryMaps program to create an immersive learning experience. By incorporating text, photos, graphics, videos, and sound files, the story map allows users to explore the impact of Hurricane Helene in a dynamic and engaging way. This interactive approach helps to convey the scale of the disaster and the challenges faced by the affected communities.
The Asheville Citizen Times reports on various commemorative events, including radio specials on WNCW 88.7 featuring documentaries about the flood of 1916 and Helene's aftermath. The Swannanoa Fire Department is hosting a community altar, inviting residents to contribute items to honor those affected by the storm.
The release of the NOAA story map serves as a vital resource for understanding the impact of Hurricane Helene and learning from its lessons. It underscores the importance of disaster preparedness and the ongoing need for community support in the face of such devastating events.