Rebuilding Together After Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene left a lasting mark on communities across western North Carolina. PBS North Carolina brings you face-to-face with the people leading the recovery—artists, small business owners and local leaders who are rebuilding their lives and neighborhoods. Through intimate interviews and on-the-ground reporting, we capture their challenges, triumphs and resilience. These stories show the heart of a community coming together to overcome adversity.

MY HOME, NC

Meet the Local Heroes Rebuilding Western NC After Hurricane Helene 

When Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina in 2024, it buried entire mountain communities under mud and debris. Among the hardest hit was Chef Daniel Wright, who lost the home he had built and lived in for twenty years. Although media coverage has faded, volunteers still arrive with unwavering dedication, working alongside residents to rebuild their homes and keep their story alive.

MY HOME, NC

Resilience in the River Arts District After Hurricane Helene 

Follow artist XCVI's emotional journey after Hurricane Helene devastates Asheville, NC. From the loss of his studio to the strength found in togetherness, his story highlights resiliency, creativity and the power of community. Witness the transformation of tragedy into inspiration as the people of Asheville come together to rebuild the River Arts District.

NC WEEKEND

Mountain Recovery

Host Deborah Holt Noel visits Asheville and the surrounding mountains to spotlight communities’ recovery after Hurricane Helene. We visit The Lodge on Lake Lure, the S&W Market food hall, The Restoration Hotel, the River Arts District and the Hood Huggers Tour, showing how local hospitality and history are helping the region heal.

NC WEEKEND

Summertime Fun in the Mountains

Explore summer fun in the North Carolina mountains with stops at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, Linville Caverns, Highlands Outpost, Sugar Creek Gem Mine and LaZoom Kids Comedy Tour. Visit Old Fort’s trails, shops and breweries as the town recovers and thrives after Hurricane Helene.

SCI NC

Ecosystems After the Storm

Hurricane Helene didn’t just impact people—it reshaped the region’s rivers, forests, and wildlife. Sci NC explore how plants and animals are responding, from rivers recovering from debris to forests facing invasive species. Meet the researchers and conservationists studying these changes and learn what it takes to protect Western North Carolina’s unique ecosystems.

STATE LINES

Hurricane Helene's Economic Impact

Legislators and community members discuss Hurricane Helene’s impact on western NC after the storm, covering state recovery funding, Lake Lure’s cleanup, the storm’s effect on businesses and the importance of tourism in western NC. Hosted by Kelly McCullen. Aired June 3, 2025.

FRONTLINE

Hurricane Helene's Deadly Warning

Hurricane Helene became an ominous warning about America’s lack of preparedness. Frontline and NPR draw on a decade of reporting on disasters and their aftermath to examine how and why the U.S. is more vulnerable than ever to climate change-related storms.

Western North Carolina is welcoming visitors back. Through our travel series NC Weekend, we showcase the scenic hikes, historic towns, farm-to-table dining, and cultural events that make this region unforgettable. Visiting now is a meaningful way to support communities recovering from Hurricane Helene—every meal, purchase and overnight stay helps strengthen the local economy. 

Explore where to stay, eat, drink and explore in our curated playlists below. And be sure to check DriveNC.gov for the latest travel updates, as some areas may still be under repair.