Hurricane Helene: A Catastrophic Event in the Southeast U.S.

The Cost of Hurricane Helene

Preliminary estimates from Moody's Analytics indicate that Hurricane Helene caused between $20 billion and $34 billion in damage to insured properties in the Southeast US. The storm's immense force has led to property damage estimated between $15 billion and $26 billion, while the economy faces a $5 billion to $8 billion reduction in output. Even more concerning is the fact that only 1% of the homes affected by flooding were covered by flood insurance, leaving many residents facing massive financial challenges.

Inland Flooding

Helene’s impact is being felt across multiple states, with more than 4.5 million people losing power. Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out, especially in western North Carolina, where Asheville has seen some of the worst destruction. With ongoing rescue efforts, hundreds of people remain unaccounted for, and critical infrastructure has been crippled by the storm’s devastating flooding, surges, and winds.

Hurricane Helene has brought unprecedented flooding to inland areas, with record-breaking rainfall in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, where some locations received up to 30 inches. Meteorologist Ben Noll reported that the storm transported an astounding 3,000 kilograms of water vapor per meter per second into the region, leading to catastrophic floods, especially in the Appalachian Mountains—levels not seen since Hurricane Camille in 1969.

Hurricane Helene Map: Power Outages 9/27/2024

Muted Market Reaction, Major Operational Impact

Despite the devastation, the stock market’s reaction has been relatively muted. Companies like Generac, Home Depot, and Lowe's only experienced slight changes in their stock prices. However, businesses such as Baxter International and Sibelco were forced to halt operations due to flooding, with significant impacts on industries like semiconductors.

In Asheville, Helene severely damaged infrastructure, potentially leaving thousands of residents without water for weeks. Emergency responders faced challenges delivering supplies due to blocked roads and communication failures, as many areas experienced cell service outages. Colten noted that many locals underestimated the hurricane's potential impact, resulting in inadequate preparation for the storm.

Hurricane Helene Track: Road Closures 9/27/2024

Community Strength Amid Crisis

Amidst the destruction, there are heartwarming stories of resilience and hope. In an Asheville neighborhood, residents banded together to support one another, sharing food and comfort. Sommerville Johnston, who lost power, took it upon herself to help her neighbors by cooking venison stew from her freezer, telling them, “Just bring your bowl and spoon.” Acts like these remind us of the strength of community during times of crisis.

Meanwhile, Sam Perkins, unable to reach his parents after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, embarked on a trek to find them. Roads were blocked by landslides and flooding, so he hiked 11 miles and 2,200 feet up to their isolated mountain home. He found them safe but trapped, with limited supplies. Despite the damage to the region, including widespread road closures and power outages, his parents' house was mostly unharmed. Perkins described the strong community spirit, even as the state struggles to recover from the storm.

Crowdsource Imagery: Taylor Square post-loss photo

A Warning of What’s to Come

Unfortunately, hurricanes like Helene are becoming more frequent. A 2023 report from the First Street Foundation revealed that severe rain events are becoming more common, with what used to be considered "1-in-100-year floods" now happening every 50 years, or even as often as every 5 to 10 years in some regions.

Supporting Recovery Efforts

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. Earthvisionz is committed to supporting recovery efforts with our cutting-edge software, which accelerates disaster response. Our map command center helps visualize hazards and quickly analyze weather data, improving the efficiency of mobilization efforts. Together, we can help communities rebuild stronger and safer.