Some events put recreational pastimes like paddling into perspective. Such is the case with Hurricane Helene, which made landfall about 10 miles west of Perry, Florida, at 11:10 p.m. EDT Thursday, and left a path of destruction and devastation in its wake. With many friends in the region, our hearts here at Paddling Life go out to everyone affected by this tragedy, which so far has reportedly killed more than 90 people, with more likely.
The Category 4 storm also swelled rivers to record highs as it made its way inland, especially in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia. The record rains are attributed to the ocean heat content in the Gulf of Mexico reportedly being the highest ever on record. (Warm water strengthens tropical storm systems.) Helene’s record storm surge in Florida wreaked similar havoc, seeing people kayaking in their living rooms and past stop signs and traffic lights in their towns in an effort to stay safe and help others.
Want some context from a rain and flooding perspective? A whopping 29.5 inches of rain fell in just 48 hours in western North Carolina, with the gauge on the popular Nolichucky surging to a record 100,000 cfs, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Flash Flood Emergency on Saturday as the Nolichucky Dam in Greeneville teetered on the verge of collapse.
Rain totals
It was the new wettest month on record at sites including Asheville, Sparta, and North Wilkesboro. The French Broad River in Fletcher crested ten feet higher than its previous peak after Hurricane Frances in 2004. The French Broad crested at a record 24.67 feet Friday and was still well above its banks at 12.68 feet Sunday.
The town of Asheville, which saw a three-day total of almost 14 inches of rain eclipse the 1-in-1000 year total for a 72-hour period, was decimated by the flooding French Broad, as it surged into homes, as well as streets and office buildings in its downtown River Arts District.
The Swannanoa River at Biltmore crested at 26.1 feet, more than five feet above its 1916 maximum and slightly above the apparent 26-foot crest in April 1791, making it the worst flood along the river since North Carolina became a state.
A note from North Carolina state climatologist, Dr. Kathie Dello:
The destruction from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina has been distressing to watch — much more so for those who are waiting to hear from family and friends in the region. As a public service center for the state, our office wants to share not only the story of the storm, but also how to assist in the recovery.
While the desire to lend a hand in person can be compelling, note that officials are turning away individuals who show up to help. The best way to support cleanup and recovery efforts is through the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, which is accepting donations that go directly to nonprofits working in impacted communities.