Hurricane Helene Update
Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic flooding in Western North
Carolina and nearby areas, leading to widespread road closures,
power outages, and severe infrastructure damage. The N.C.
Department of Transportation has prohibited non-emergency travel,
warning that major roads, including I-40 and I-26, are washed out
and closed indefinitely due to landslides and debris. In some
areas, repairs could take days or longer.
Ports across the Southeast U.S., including in Florida and
Georgia, are assessing damage, with some reopening and others
remaining closed. Spokeswoman Chelsea Kavanagh said the Port of
Jacksonville conducted facility assessments and found no damage.
The port reopened Friday afternoon. The Coast Guard reported that
ports in Key West, St. Petersburg, and Tampa in Florida were closed
Friday. Ports in Mobile, Alabama, and Savannah and Brunswick in
Georgia were open with restrictions Friday. The storm also
devastated rail
