Nearly nine months after Tropical Storm Helene tore through Western North Carolina, Yancey and Mitchell counties are still dealing with the aftermath of widespread housing damage. According to the N.C. Division of Community Revitalization, a total of 38,287 households, including 31,782 owner-occupied single-family homes and 6,505 rental units, suffered damage across 21 of the state’s hardest-hit counties.
In Yancey County, 2,319 homes sustained storm-related damage, while Mitchell County saw impacts to 1,476 residences. The majority of the damage statewide affected owner-occupied single-family homes, but rental units were also hit hard. Neighboring McDowell reported 1,814 and Avery 1,371. Buncombe County, being the largest county saw the most widespread impact, with damage to 11,128 homes. Other heavily affected counties include Henderson with 5,002 and Haywood with 2,356.
The Division of Community Revitalization is using this data to help guide state and federal recovery efforts. Officials continue to assess long-term rebuilding needs and advocate for additional disaster relief funding as communities work to recover.
