Hurricane Helene is the deadliest hurricane to hit the contiguous United States since Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The storm caused at least 248 deaths, with 175 of those deaths directly related to this massive storm, whether by wind, flood, or other immediate impacts, and racked up almost $80 billion in damages.
Helene has officially been ruled the most destructive hurricane in North Carolina’s history. It hit the state full force on Friday, September 27, 2024, causing the worst impacts in southern Appalachia.
The storm arrived overnight on September 26-27 as a Category 4 hurricane and made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region.
Even though Helene had weakened as it tracked across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, the most intense wind gusts were recorded in North Carolina. The strongest gust was recorded at Mt. Mitchell in Yancey County, clocking in at approximately 105 mph, while one in Banner Elk hit nearly 100 mph.
Written By: John G. Clark Jr.