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:
Updated Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Town of Blowing Rock infrastructure is undamaged and operational. All Blowing Rock businesses are open, and all utilities are restored. Roads in our area are safe and open for travel. Local businesses are open and eager to serve and visitor support is vital to their survival. Western North Carolina needs you! Full recovery from Hurricane Helene will take time.
Closures
Blowing Rock attractions are operating on normal schedules. Nearby NC State Parks have some trail and campsite closures- check ahead with individual parks before visiting.
Getting Around
Travel on main routes and major secondary routes is open. Check ahead confirm the status of routes for more remote activities. Twenty miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway is open near Blowing Rock (weather permitting), but NPS warns that visitors should be aware that trail assessments have not been completed and caution should be exercised when hiking.
Areas to Avoid
All High Country towns are welcoming visitors! Visitors are only asked to avoid residential areas outside business areas and routes while recovery efforts continue.
The spirit of the NC High Country is strong, and we stand together in support of those affected by this storm. We are deeply grateful to all those helping western NC- Thank you.
If you are visiting soon, we urge you to visit thoughtfully and keep a few things in mind. For more on how to visit thoughtfully, see our tips here!
Local Updates
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 donations with local non-profits and volunteers, potentially with organizations listed above.
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. CALL AHEAD (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. CALL AHEAD (828) 773-8852
Food and supply service at Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation Office: 4210 Mitchell Ave # 2, Linville, NC 28646. CALL AHEAD(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
