TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY, N.C. — Communities in Western North Carolina are continuing to feel major impacts from Helene. 

Officials confirmed at least 30 people died from Helene in North Carolina. 

Thousands are still without power and communication services, making it difficult for them to contact loved ones. 

What You Need To Know

  •  Western North Carolina is continuing to experience major impacts from Helene 

  •  Many areas are still without power and working communication services

  •  Transylvania County provided an update about its response efforts 

Numerous families were impacted by Helene in the low lying areas near the Davidson River community and in the Town of Rosman. 

Transylvania County Emergency Management just provided an update about response in those areas and surrounding communities.  

In a press release, County Manager and Emergency Management Public Information Officer Jaime Laughter says flood waters are receding county wide, with more roads being reported open.

But she says there are still many downed trees and power lines throughout the county.

As an added safety precaution, Laughter says a public curfew remains in effect from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. across the county. 

She says residents are expected to limit travels to emergencies only. 

"Communications and power providers are out working to restore access. Duke is reporting over 300 technicians in Henderson and Transylvania with more on the way. The majority of power is expected to be restored by Friday. Verizon and AT&T are working on communications and deploying towers, but they have challenges with both fiber cuts and power access," Laughter said in the press release.

"I -26, NC 280 and US 64 are open for those wanting to evacuate to other areas. Shelters are open at the Transylvania County Parks and Recreation Center and the Ag Center at the Asheville Airport. Emergency management has ordered supplies from state emergency services and will be coordinating with fire departments on community needs and getting resources distributed," Laughter said.

The county says Transylvania County Schools and non-emergency county offices will be closed Monday.

Emergency Management and Transylvania County Schools are working to establish feeding sites for children.

Laughter also says Smoke On and Gordingos will provide a free meal at 1 p.m. on Monday to residents in the Town of Rosman, in the lot next to Champion Pool.

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