Prescient Warnings About Helene Didnt Reach People in Harms Way. Here Are 5 Lessons for the Next Hurricane.
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Hurricane Helene: Lessons Unlearned in North Carolina's Inland Communities
ProPublica's investigation reveals critical shortcomings in North Carolina's preparedness for inland flooding and landslides, highlighting the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene last September. The storm, which caused more inland deaths than any hurricane in recorded history, exposed vulnerabilities in evacuation orders, disaster messaging, emergency management training, and hazard mapping.
The investigation focused on Yancey County, a rural area in the Black Mountains, where the per capita death toll was highest. While some counties issued mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders, Yancey did not. This decision, influenced by a culture of self-reliance and concerns about property rights, left residents without clear directives to flee.
Key Findings:
1. Evacuation Orders Vary: Some counties issued evacuation orders, while others, like Yancey, did not.
2. Messaging Disparities: Communication strategies differed significantly, with some counties providing clear and urgent warnings, while others used less direct language.
3. Lack of Emergency Manager Training: North Carolina does not require specific training for local emergency managers, unlike several neighboring states.
4. Delayed Landslide Mapping: A program to map landslide hazards in mountain counties was halted for nearly a decade due to pressure from real estate interests, leaving some areas unprepared.
5. Limited Post-Storm Analysis: There has been no comprehensive state-level effort to examine lessons learned from Helene and improve preparedness for future inland storms.
The investigation underscores the need for improved preparedness in inland communities, including clearer evacuation protocols, standardized emergency manager training, and comprehensive hazard mapping. The lack of these measures contributed to the tragic loss of life during Hurricane Helene.
Get Involved: If you have information about the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, you can share your story by calling 828-201-2738 or emailing helenetips@propublica.org.
BNN's Perspective: While the investigation highlights serious issues, it's important to acknowledge the complexities of emergency management in rural areas. Balancing individual liberties with public safety is a constant challenge. The state should consider implementing the recommendations, but also provide resources and support to local communities to tailor solutions to their specific needs and cultural contexts.
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