Following the remnants of Hurricane Helene, Asheville, North Carolina, has experienced significant flooding, which has left the city and surrounding areas largely isolated due to damaged infrastructure. On Saturday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced that over 400 roads were still closed as floodwaters began to subside, revealing the extensive devastation. State airlift operations are underway to deliver much-needed supplies to affected regions, with more than 700,000 residents left without electricity.

The destruction caused by Helene has resulted in a tragic death toll of at least seven people in North Carolina and at least 57 across several states. Among those rescued was nurse Janetta Barfield, who found herself stranded in her car as rising waters engulfed her vehicle after she miscalculated the safety of driving through flooded streets. A nearby police officer assisted her in escaping just in time, highlighting the swift danger posed by the floodwaters.

As Asheville, a vibrant city with a population of approximately 94,000, faced uncharacteristic silence amid the chaos, many gas stations ran out of power, causing long lines at those still open. Areas known for tourism, including Biltmore Village and the River Arts District, were under water, complicating recovery efforts. Additionally, critical transportation routes like Interstate 40 and I-26 were rendered impassable, further isolating the community.

Authorities reported that Asheville is currently experiencing a total communication outage with no clear timeline for restoration, impacting families attempting to reach loved ones. County Emergency Services Director Van Taylor Jones confirmed that while there has been loss of life, specific details were not available due to communication challenges. In response to public safety concerns, Asheville police implemented a nighttime curfew and suspended public transit services.

Residents have been advised to boil water due to a significant water line break during the storm, complicating access to clean drinking water. Sheriff Quentin Miller stressed the unexpected severity of the storm's impact, leading officials to confront emergencies involving heavy rainfall, high winds, and mudslides. The challenges have left families like that of Francine Cavanaugh anxiously trying to connect with relatives in Asheville, heightening concerns amid the destruction.