Carolina Residents and Agents Shocked by Inland Damage from Hurricane Helene

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left insurance agents and residents in Asheville, North Carolina, grappling with unexpected levels of destruction. The mountain city, typically considered safe from hurricanes, was inundated with 14 inches of rain, causing widespread flooding that damaged homes and businesses. Local insurance agents, including Chad McKinney of McKinney Insurance Services, were shocked by the extent of the damage and noted that most residents were without flood insurance. Compounding the devastation, many roads and bridges remain washed out, making access to the area nearly impossible for claims adjusters and supplies.

In addition to flood damage, fallen trees have destroyed many homes, further complicating the recovery process. Insurance agents like Brian Spieles of Juengel Agency highlighted the massive disruption caused by these downed trees. Government officials have called for an unprecedented recovery effort to help the thousands affected. Significant damage was also reported in eastern Tennessee, where a hospital in Unicoi County had to evacuate staff and patients due to flooding. As the region faces an uphill battle to recover, local industries, including the largest U.S. manufacturer of dialysis solutions, were also heavily impacted.