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Roy Cooper: Helene did record $53B in damage to North Carolina

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www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2024-10-23 19:10:19


SUMMARY: Hurricane Helen caused an estimated $53 billion in damages in North Carolina. Governor Roy Cooper is urging state lawmakers to allocate $3.9 billion to help jumpstart recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. This investment, along with anticipated federal and private insurance aid of about $20 billion, is essential for rebuilding infrastructure, homes, and businesses. However, a significant funding shortfall of nearly $30 billion remains, as full recovery is deemed unlikely. Cooper stresses that swift investment leads to faster community recovery, highlighting the critical need for legislative action as lawmakers prepare to reconvene.

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Helene was the most economically damaging natural disaster to ever hit North Carolina, in addition to the deadliest, Gov. Roy Cooper said Wednesday as he pressed lawmakers to approve a new, $3.9 billion relief package.

The new damage estimate — $53 billion, according to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management — is triple the damage incurred by Hurricane Florence in 2018.

Cooper made his announcement a day before state lawmakers are set to return to Raleigh for a brief session Thursday, when they’re expected to debate another disaster relief bill. Cooper detailed his $3.9 billion recommendation in a 99-page budget document sent to reporters and legislative leaders. Lawmakers are expected to present their own relief plan, which may or may not take into account Cooper’s proposal.

The federal government is also expected to spend billions of dollars on Helene aid — largely to rebuild homes and roads, plus cover other costs such as aid for farmers and emergency loans for small businesses, to keep local economies from collapsing in the aftermath of the storm. Insurance companies will also likely pay out some claims, but more than 90% of homes in the area lacked flood insurance.

There are costs that neither insurance companies nor the federal government will cover, Cooper said Wednesday, adding that the $3.9 billion he’s asking lawmakers to spend is “a down payment on western North Carolina’s future.”

Cooper has previously faced criticism for the state and federal governments’ slow process helping people get their homes rebuilt or repaired after Hurricanes Florence and Matthew. A large chunk of the spending Cooper proposed Wednesday is aimed at getting the rebuilding process started sooner by giving people money that’s not tied to the federal government’s more cumbersome processes, he said.

“This proposal, built on the assessment of damage sustained and lessons learned from past storms, would give western North Carolina a jump start on recovery,” Cooper said.

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Dry, windy conditions remain troublesome in Carolinas wildfires | North Carolina

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Alan Wooten | The Center Square – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-28 12:56:00

(The Center Square) – Persistent dry and windy conditions, along with downed trees from Hurricane Helene six months ago, remain troublesome for wildfires in the Carolinas.

The Table Rock Fire, largest of several, has crossed from Pickens County in South Carolina to Transylvania County in North Carolina.

In an update from the South Carolina Forestry Commission on Thursday evening, the Tabe Rock fire grew significantly during the day and the Persimmon Ridge fire only modestly. The Table Rock fire is estimated 8,679 acres and the Persimmon Ridge fire 1,992 acres.

Three counties are home to four other significant size fires in the Tarheel State: Deep Woods and Black Cove in Polk County, Alarka in Swain County, and Rattlesnake Branch in Haywood County.

“Excessive storm debris and timber damage from Hurricane Helene has created many challenges for firefighting efforts,” a release from the North Carolina Forest Service said Friday morning. “One factor is the loss of tree canopy. More ground cover is receiving direct sunlight, accelerating the rate in which fuels dry out.”

The Black Cove fire that originated March 19 is 3,288 acres in size and 17% contained, the Forest Service says. It is approximately 2 miles northeast of Saluda in the Green River Gorge.

The Deep Woods fire, also a March 19 start, is 3,373 acres in size and 30% contained, the Forest Service says. It is about 5 miles northwest of Columbus in the Green River Gorge and the adjacent Holbert Cove community.

The Fish Hook fire that began March 20 is 199 acres in size and 95% contained, the Forest Service says. This fire is about 5 miles northwest of Mill Spring near Lake Adger.

Other fires of size are burning near Sylva and Leicester.

Burning bans are in effect throughout North and South Carolina.

The post Dry, windy conditions remain troublesome in Carolinas wildfires | North Carolina appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Western NC fire is now highest priority in the country

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www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-03-28 08:07:43


SUMMARY: A wildfire in Western North Carolina has become the highest priority in the U.S. The Black Cove Complex fire near Saluda has burned over 6,500 acres, with over 500 firefighters working to contain it. Authorities warn residents in mountain communities, like Buncombe County, to prepare evacuation bags in case orders are issued. The fire has triggered statewide concerns, with varying levels of fire danger across the state. A statewide burn ban is in effect, and officials are hopeful that rain expected this weekend will help control the blaze. Aircraft are being used to drop water and fire retardant to assist firefighting efforts.

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More firefighters are arriving in Western North Carolina now that the Fire Service says a fire burning there is now the highest priority in the U.S.

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News from the South - North Carolina News Feed

Tar Heel Traveler: Elm City Birds

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www.youtube.com – WRAL – 2025-03-27 20:33:11


SUMMARY: In late March 1963, Alfred Hitchcock’s thriller *The Birds* premiered, and in honor of its anniversary, Scott Mason revisits Elm City’s own bird phenomenon. Every afternoon, flocks of hundreds of thousands of starlings and blackbirds gather, creating a stunning, synchronized spectacle. The birds swarm the same fields at the same time, a behavior observed for over 20 years. Local residents are captivated by the sight, though some remain curious about the birds’ nature. Experts believe the birds flock for food and protection. This “bird ballet” continues to awe those lucky enough to witness it each day.

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It was around this time in March 1963 when the movie “The Birds” premiered. The Tar Heel Traveler revisits Elm City’s very own thrilling version of the birds.

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