Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc in Western North Carolina, prompting the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to declare all roads in the region closed.
The situation: As of Monday morning, authorities reiterated that "all roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed." Floodwaters, mudslides, and failing infrastructure have made numerous routes impassable.
- Interstate 40 is severely impacted, with closures from I-77 in Iredell County to Old Fort in McDowell County. Only emergency personnel can access parts of this route.
- Interstate 26 is also shut down at the Tennessee state line.
What's being done: Over 1,600 NCDOT employees and contract crews are actively working to clear debris, repair roads, and evaluate damages.
- Efforts include removing fallen trees, clearing mudslides, and assessing destroyed bridges.
- NCDOT crews from lesser-impacted areas are being deployed to assist in the hardest-hit locations.
Officials stressed the importance of avoiding non-emergency travel and heeding posted barricades to ensure safety. Many places remain underwater or washed out, causing significant transportation disruptions.
What's next: Relief supplies are being flown into affected areas to assist those in need. The community and authorities are working together to navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Interstate 40 and other key routes will remain closed for the foreseeable future, with updates provided as restoration progresses, according to WBTV.