The NC High Country was devastated by Hurricane Helene on September 27. We are so grateful for the outpouring of concern for our town and our community. Blowing Rock was incredibly fortunate through the storm; many of our neighbors are still in dire situations. Learn more about local recovery and how you can help those in need.
Hurricane Helene Impacts:
Due to ongoing impacts from Hurricane Helene and continuing emergency response operations, Watauga County, the Town of Boone, and the Town of Blowing Rock remain under a curfew from 11pm to 7am until further notice.
Local crews and volunteers continue to work tirelessly, and we are so grateful to all our emergency response teams. Blowing Rock was incredibly fortunate through the storm. Our water is safe and downtown power and internet largely restored thanks to the hard work of Town employees, Blue Ridge Energy, and others. Town of Blowing Rock infrastructure is undamaged and operational. If you are seeking information about a particular business in Blowing Rock, please contact them directly about operations.
Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the storm. Many of our immediate neighbors are not yet safe. Town of Blowing Rock crews continue to assist the Town of Boone and nearby communities where possible and we remain dedicated to supporting recovery efforts with our neighbors. Some Blowing Rock businesses are still directing resources to relief efforts like meal deliveries, resident and responder support, and supply collections. Art in the Park and other public events in the immediate future in Blowing Rock have been canceled. See our event calendar for updates as we receive them.
Many areas in our region are still without power and over 100 roads in the county remain impassable. Our neighboring communities are facing great devastation and rescue and relief operations are ongoing. Non-essential traffic can impede these relief efforts. The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed to all public use. A Western NC Travel Advisory is in effect. Local travel is restricted to local and relief traffic. See road updates at DriveNC.gov.
For updates on local attractions operations, click here.
Additional note from our Watauga County Tourism Development Authority:
Our top priority is the safety and well-being of both our visitors and residents. Emergency response teams, local authorities, and area officials are working tirelessly to address immediate needs, restore essential services, and begin the recovery process. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these dedicated individuals for their efforts during this challenging time.
While the extent of the damage is still being assessed, we want to assure everyone that this impact is temporary. Watauga County is a resilient and close-knit community, and we are fully committed to rebuilding and welcoming visitors back as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, we urge everyone to stay updated through our official county and town channels and those of local emergency management for the latest information on conditions, safety advisories, and travel restrictions.
We ask for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure that Watauga County can once again provide the safe and memorable experiences our destination is known for. We encourage those currently visiting to respect the curfew and follow the guidance provided by emergency officials to ensure your safety.
The spirit of Watauga County remains strong, and we stand together in support of those affected by this storm. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been impacted, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our vibrant community soon.
Local Updates
Due to dangerous conditions remaining, severely compromised roads, and ongoing emergency operations, Watauga County in coordination with the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock have declared a curfew from 11pm to 7am until further notice.
Follow these accounts and local news sources for updates about Hurricane Helene impacts on our immediate area:
Watauga County Emergency Services on Facebook
High Country Press– local news
Watauga Democrat – local news
Where to Donate Funds
These are some of the organizations are coordinating drives for monetary donations that will stay in the community and NC for Hurricane Helene relief. Follow these links to donate or to learn more. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list!
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
Build For Good Foundation (Venmo: @Build4Good)
Appalachian State Disaster Relief Fund
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation
NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund
Southern Smoke Foundation (Food & Beverage worker relief)
Official Donation Drop-off Sites
Please coordinate drop offs before making any trips to the area. Some drop-off sites are working to distribute items and are running out of space.
Drop-off for local distribution of shelf-stable food, water, clothing, and personal care items: Blowing Rock American Legion daily through October 15, 10am-4pm. 333 Wallingford Street, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. (303) 990-3999
Supplies needed: Sleeping bags, various phone chargers, winter coats and outerwear, blankets, small and large propane cans, clorox, socks (all sizes, new), tarps, manual can openers, instant coffee.
Also accepting powdered drink mixes, non-perishable food (especially ready-to-eat, gluten-free, dairy-free, or sugar-free), gently used or new clothing, cleaning supplies, feminine supplies, baby supplies, pet supplies.
Official County Drop-off Sites
Watauga County: The Summit Pickleball. 278 Industrial Park Dr, Boone, NC 28607. (828) 532-5442 (Items can be shipped here)
Ashe County: Family Central. 626 Ashe Central School Rd, Jefferson, NC 28640. (336) 982-8121
Avery County: Newland First Baptist Church. 160 Cranberry St, Newland, NC 28657. (828) 733-9092
Allegheny County: Sparta United Methodist Church. 190 N Main St, Sparta, NC 28675. (336) 372-4441
Volunteer Opportunities
These organizations are coordinating local volunteer efforts. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list!We will add more as we learn of more open opportunities. There will be much need even after the immediate emergency passes.
Please coordinate with organizations BEFORE traveling and do not self-deploy without connecting with an organization that is providing services.
Samaritan’s Purse- Boone Response
Those with chainsaws and other equipment can volunteer at Perkinsville Baptist Church: 274 Jefferson Rd, Boone, NC 28607. (828) 264-8605
Small teams with chainsaws and other equipment are coordinated from Speckled Trout Outfitters each morning 7:30am-8:30am: 916 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605. (828) 773-8852
Food and supply service at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Office: 4210 Mitchell Ave # 2, Linville, NC 28646. (828) 733-1333
Those wishing to volunteer can also register at nc.gov/volunteer to be connected with a NC Volunteer Organization currently active in Helene response.
Recovery Assistance
How to apply for FEMA assistance for homeowners
How to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund
NC Hospitality Workers Relief Fund
Southern Smoke Foundation (Food & Beverage worker relief)
Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund
Get more information on assistance and resources for residents on the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce website >>