The picturesque mountain village of Chimney Rock in North Carolina, known for being the filming location of “The Last of the Mohicans” and “Dirty Dancing,” has been devastated by the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Ed Broyhill, a North Carolina GOP national committee member who owns a home in the area, described the destruction caused by the storm. The community, which heavily relies on tourism, has seen its hotels, motels, restaurants, stores, and other establishments washed away by the storm. With roads washed out and electricity remaining out for many, Broyhill believes it will take at least a year to rebuild, calling it the “worst weather event that’s ever occurred in western North Carolina.”
Broyhill recalled the surreal scene of National Guard helicopters evacuating people from the area and witnessing entire sections of road missing. The North Carolina Department of Transportation has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel in western North Carolina following the storm, with Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins emphasizing that safety and well-being are the top priorities. The fall foliage season, which is usually busy with tourists, has been impacted by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Priority is being given to emergency responders, utility crews, and transportation crews who are working hard to assist with the lengthy response and recovery effort needed in the area.
The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has left the community of Chimney Rock reeling, as the village now no longer exists due to the storm damage. Broyhill highlighted the impact on the locals who have supported themselves through tourism-related businesses, which have now been washed away. The loss of hotels, motels, restaurants, and stores has left the area in a state of disarray, with infrastructure damage making it challenging for residents and visitors to navigate the region. The rebuilding process is expected to be a lengthy one, with estimates suggesting it will take at least a year to restore the community to its former state.
The community’s reliance on tourism has been a significant factor in the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, as businesses catering to visitors have been wiped out by the storm. The economic impact of the destruction is likely to be felt for years to come, as the loss of infrastructure and businesses will affect the livelihoods of those who depended on tourism for income. The loss of roads and electricity has further complicated the situation, making it difficult for residents to access essential services and for emergency responders to navigate the area. The surreal scenes of helicopters evacuating people and missing sections of road highlight the severity of the damage caused by the storm.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has issued a warning for people to avoid unnecessary travel in western North Carolina, given the challenges posed by the storm’s aftermath. Priority is being given to emergency responders, utility crews, and transportation crews who are working tirelessly to assist with the response and recovery efforts in the region. The safety and well-being of residents and visitors are paramount, with efforts focused on ensuring that essential services can be restored and that the community can begin the process of rebuilding. The fall foliage season, a popular time for tourists, has been impacted by the storm, with the region facing challenges in attracting visitors in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
Overall, the impact of Hurricane Helene on the community of Chimney Rock in North Carolina has been devastating, with the destruction of infrastructure, businesses, and homes leaving the area in a state of disarray. The loss of the picturesque village, known for its connections to famous films, has shocked residents and visitors alike, as they come to terms with the scale of the damage caused by the storm. The rebuilding process is expected to be a lengthy and challenging one, with estimates suggesting it will take at least a year to restore the community to its former state. Efforts are underway to prioritize safety and well-being and to assist with the response and recovery efforts in the region, as the community begins the long road to recovery following the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Helene.
