Boone, NC, a town known for its serene mountain views and vibrant college life, faced an unprecedented disaster when Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on the High Country. The storm, which was expected to weaken as it moved in, maintained its intensity and left a path of destruction in its wake. Boone experienced heavy rain and flash floods, causing widespread flooding, property damage, landslides, and a crisis that still grips the town weeks later. Despite the challenges, Boone’s resilient community spirit shone through.
The Storm’s Impact on the High Country
Hurricane Helene brought relentless rain, causing widespread floods and landslides that devastated the community. Roads in and around Boone, including parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway, are temporarily closed due to fallen trees, landslides, and roads washed away, leaving many residents isolated for days unable to leave their homes. Apartment complexes were submerged, schools were closed indefinitely, students were left without homes, and local businesses as well as the town’s Walmart—were forced to shut their doors. Now, weeks later, Boone is still reeling from the effects, as residents face an uncertain future.
Housing Crisis
While Boone is accustomed to heavy rain and storms, Hurricane Helene brought a scale of flooding that locals had never seen before. Apartment complexes were condemned, many of which house students from Appalachian State University. Complexes such as Bavarian Village and College Place Condominiums saw floodwaters rise rapidly, submerging ground-floor units and forcing students and families to evacuate. Cars were swept away, furniture destroyed, and entire buildings left uninhabitable.
The Appalachian State University campus experienced several inches of water accumulation and damage, causing the university to close its doors indefinitely, with many students now scrambling to find temporary housing. The loss of housing is leaving many students uncertain about their academic futures. With dormitories damaged and off-campus housing uninhabitable, the town’s already limited resources are stretched thin.
The devastation extended beyond Appalachian State, impacting the local school system as well. Elementary, middle, and high schools in Boone have all remained closed since the hurricane struck, with no set date for reopening.
Local businesses were forced to shut down for a few days due to now power and a boil water advisory. Many establishments and churches that were damaged in the flood were quick to reopen, serving as a donation and relief hub for locals in need.
Landslides and Road Closures
The risk of landslides was high in the surrounding mountainous areas. Sections of Highway 321 and Highway 421 saw major landslides that blocked traffic for days or completely washed the roads away. Access to the popular hiking trails, National Parks, and the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed. Here is a list of current road closures in all the affected areas.
The Community’s Response
In true Boone fashion, the community came together to address the storm’s impact. Organizations, churches, locals, and volunteers from near and far helped with debris removal and provided aid to those in need. The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce worked closely with local businesses to coordinate cleanup efforts and provide resources for those affected by the storm.
The Town of Boone and Watauga County officials were quick to respond, dispatching public works teams to clear roads, restore power, and ensure that emergency services were available. Local utility companies worked tirelessly to restore electricity in areas where downed trees had caused outages.
October Tourism: A Lifeline for Local Businesses
October is typically one of the most profitable months for Boone. Thousands of tourists flock to the High Country during this time to experience the beautiful fall colors, contributing millions of dollars to the local economy. From small cafés and boutiques to outdoor gear shops and restaurants, businesses rely heavily on the influx of visitors coming to see the breathtaking autumn leaves.
This year, however, the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene threatens to disrupt this critical source of income. With damaged roads, flooded trails, and many businesses temporarily closed, the town’s ability to welcome visitors has been severely compromised. For some, October revenue accounts for a significant portion of their annual income, and the potential loss of this tourism season could be devastating.
Looking Forward
It is clear that recovery will be a long and challenging process. The future remains uncertain for students without housing, families displaced by floodwaters, and businesses forced to close. Yet, amid the devastation, Boone’s resilience shines through. Local leaders coordinate with state and federal agencies to provide support, while community members band together to help one another rebuild.
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene will not be forgotten anytime soon. The storm has reshaped Boone, leaving behind a trail of destruction that will take time, resources, and collective strength to overcome. But if one thing defines this mountain town, it is its ability to come together in the face of adversity. As recovery continues, Boone stands as an example of how a tight-knit mountain town can weather the storm, emerging even stronger on the other side.
How You Can Help
You can make a big difference by supporting the town’s local businesses and helping its community rebuild. Here’s how you can lend a hand:
- Visit and Support Local Businesses: Despite the challenges, many businesses have reopened and need your support more than ever. Plan a visit to Boone this October, enjoy the fall colors, and spend your dollars at locally-owned restaurants, shops, and cafés. Every purchase helps keep these small businesses alive and supports employees impacted by the storm.
- Donate to Local Relief Efforts: Several organizations work tirelessly to assist those displaced by the floods. Donating to local relief funds, churches, and charities ensures that your contributions go directly to Boone residents in need.
Local relief efforts you can donate to:
- Book Local Accommodations: If you’re planning a trip to the High Country, stay at local inns, cabins, and bed-and-breakfasts. Many are still open and need the business after weeks of closures and cancellations.
- Spread the Word: Encourage friends and family to visit Boone this fall. Share updates on social media, write reviews for local businesses you support, and help spread awareness about how vital tourism is to Boone’s recovery.
- Volunteer: If you’re in the area, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Many local organizations are coordinating cleanup efforts, housing assistance, and food drives for those affected by the storm. Click here to find a list of places to donate or volunteer.
By visiting Boone, shopping locally, and donating to recovery efforts, you can help the town overcome the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Your support during this critical time will help Boone rebuild and emerge stronger than ever.