Hurricane Helene coverage

DRAUGHON DRAWS: Grinchy FEMA needs a change of heart

Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025-- Capitol Broadcasting Company's editorial cartoonist

Western NC counites impacted by Hurricane Helene say they are running out of money waiting on FEMA

Some towns in Western North Carolina have spent more on disaster cleanup than they make in an entire year, and now some say they're running out of money. Local leaders say FEMA still hasn't delivered on millions in promised aid, forcing small governments to drain their reserves.

'The math is not compatible': FEMA delays push NC counties to the brink

Western North Carolina counties spent tens of millions on Helene recovery, often more than their entire annual budgets, while FEMA delays keep promised funds out of reach.

Ask the Meteorologist: What are some of the alarming trends in recent tropical systems and their tornadoes?

Research I'm presenting at this year's Mid-Atlantic Severe Weather Conference reveals a concerning trend regarding tornadoes in recent landfalling tropical systems.

WRAL Meteorologist, Chris Michaels

Leaders assessing dam infrastructure using lessons learned from Helene

More than 40 dams failed when Helene hit the mountains in September 2024. Advocates say it won't be the last time unless North Carolina confronts its aging, overlooked infrastructure.

Helene revealed a hidden flood threat: North Carolina's aging dams

More than 40 dams failed when Helene hit the mountains in September 2024. Advocates say it won't be the last time unless North Carolina confronts its aging, overlooked infrastructure.

Biltmore Estate's 130th Christmas Tree raising celebrates resilience after Hurricane Helene

The event pays homage to George Vanderbilt's first Christmas in 1895, with unique decorations and a majestic 35-foot tree, inviting guests to relive a historic festive experience.

Stein signs stopgap funding bill aiding law enforcement and businesses impacted by disasters

Senate Bill 449 expands and modifies programs for businesses and governments impacted by Hurricane Helene. It also appropriates money for several law-enforcement initiatives.

WRAL News staff

After Helene, climate concerns ripple through North Carolina real estate market

Rising insurance costs, new flood data and climate uncertainty are reshaping North Carolina's real estate market and influencing how buyers decide where to call home.

Music duo channels emotion of Helene's aftermath, honoring North Carolina mountain resilience

The young, two-person band Cabin Creature managed to create a hauntingly accurate song that evokes the spirit of Appalachian folk music for a new documentary about havoc from Hurricane Helene.

Creating art after surviving a disaster

As dark clouds swirled above the mountains last September, the remnants of Hurricane Helene torpedoed into western North Carolina. Suddenly, the natural beauty that had attracted generations of artists to the region became the source for the deadliest disaster to ever strike the state.

Eduardo Medina, New York Times

Still digging out from Hurricane Helene, survivors praise volunteers, slam government response

Some feel left behind by the state and federal response a year after Helene. On the ground, volunteers are undeterred in helping victims, highlighting the best of the state's values.

Cristin Severance and Ryan Bisesi, WRAL

Perseverance, grit come to forefront in recovery effort for western NC

Western North Carolina's struggles came in many forms in the weeks following Hurricane Helene. There was a mountain of cleanup and recovery to climb, but many stories of help and hope emerged.

Cristin Severance and Ryan Bisesi, WRAL

Family of Lee County teacher killed in Helene still feels her presence in trying year

A Lee County teacher and her husband were storm-prepping their mountain vacation home the night before Hurricane Helene hit. She was swept away in floodwaters, leaving a hole in the hearts of friends and family.

By Cristin Severance and Ryan Bisesi, WRAL News

Etched in stone: Resilience guides Chimney Rock back to life after Helene. What's still to do

The quaint, picturesque village of Chimney Rock that was crushed by Hurricane Helene is getting a makeover. A complete recovery will take years, but the process is something that residents feel called to do in overcoming the disaster.

Cristin Severance and Ryan Bisesi, WRAL

Hope and community endures in the NC mountains a year after Helene

People and businesses are working to get back on their feet one year after Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.

Family frustrated in trying to rebuild lives a year after Helene

WRAL Documentary Investigator Cristin Severance talked to Amber Ballew's family in Fairview, who are struggling to rebound after their home was a total loss.

Small business in Marshall serving up hope after Helene

Those in Marshall, a small town in Madison County, look to long-standing businesses for strength after the tough times brought on by Hurricane Helene. That's where Zuma Coffee comes in.

Rocky Mount rebuilds a year after EF3 tornado, braces for next storm

A year after an EF3 tornado devastated Rocky Mount, leaving Keishia Justice's business in ruins, the resilient business owner is back on her feet. As another storm threatens, Nash County officials urge preparedness.

Small town 'zum'-ing back from Helene through community's love for popular coffee shop

The heart of a small North Carolina mountain town can be found in one of its more prominent businesses, which faced long odds of survival after Helene tore through the town.

Eric Miller, WRAL anchor/reporter

Rocky Mount woman rebuilds business a year after EF3 tornado, braces for new storm threat

A year after an EF3 tornado devastated Rocky Mount, leaving Keishia Justice's business in ruins, the resilient business owner is back on her feet. As another storm threatens, Nash County officials urge preparedness.

Western NC family still seeks reassurance a year after unimaginable loss from Helene

Their homes flooded, lives lost and a legacy vanished. How the surviving members of the Craig family have hurricane-strength hearts after a trying year, during which "some lost all."

Cristin Severance and Ryan Bisesi, WRAL

THT: Old Hampton Store

Becoming whole again. So many businesses were torn apart during Hurricane Helene. WRAL's Tar Heel Traveler shows the progress of one business, a year after the storm.

Helene cleanup puts 'a different kind of beauty' on display at Green River

Erica Shanks is Riverkeeper for the Green River, meaning she helps guard, protect and conserve one of North Carolina's most popular, and heavily traveled aquatic playgrounds. Her and others are working to bring it back to what it was before Hurricane Helene.

Eric Miller, WRAL anchor/reporter

Western NC finds tourism hit from Helene still in effect

Some of the most scenic parts of North Carolina are in the western part of the state. However, the tourism that usually stimulates the area's economy has been on hold after Hurricane Helene.