Helene: Recovery Updates for Jackson County, NC including Sapphire Valley from the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority:
October 3, 2024 3:52 p.m.
Here are our October 3, 2024 updates related to Helene recovery efforts in Jackson County, NC:
Road Conditions
- The NC Department of Transportation continues to advise “Access is limited to local and hurricane response traffic.” For more, visit www.drivenc.gov.
Power
- While the majority of Jackson County has power restored, we have experienced intermittent outages throughout the day in various communities, affecting several hundred customers at a time. This may be due to temporary fixes implemented earlier in the week following the storm, which now require more permanent solutions. In some cases, larger repairs necessitate brief power interruptions to ensure long-term stability.
Water, Food and Fuel
- Yesterday, the boil water advisory was lifted by Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority.
- With the boil water advisory no longer in effect, restaurants are beginning to fully reopen. Grocery stores appear to be restocking more regularly, as well.
- A Declaration of A State of Emergency remains in place restricting the sale and purchase of gasoline to 10 gallons per day per person at every establishment authorized to sell gasoline in Jackson County until further notice. Overall, fuel supply within Jackson County appears to be improving.
Communication and Connectivity
- The County’s 911 operations are back up.
- While mobile phone service is beginning to return, we are still experiencing slow data rates, spotty connections and/or dropped calls with some carriers.
- Internet appears to be restored by all providers, although stabilization may still be in process.
National Parks and Forests
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park: While Newfound Gap Road/US 441 has reopened, many roads, recreation areas and trails remain closed.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: The full length of the Parkway in North Carolina, from Milepost 217 to Milepost 469, remains closed.
- U.S. Forest Service: All recreation sites in the Nantahala National Forest are closed until further notice. This includes roads, campgrounds, boat launches and popular areas such as Panthertown Valley Trailheads, Whitewater Falls and Whiteside Mountain. Prior reservations made through recreation.gov will be automatically refunded.
- Rivers and Lakes: Tuckasegee River Access Points around the county are closed, due to debris and damage. East LaPorte Park, on the Tuckasegee River, is closed.
Lodging
Please note: We strongly encourage only those affected by the storm to seek accommodation at this time. This is not the time for vacation travel to the region. If you have a reservation during the next few weeks, please contact your lodging host directly to confirm their status.
- Our hotels and lodging partners have availability for emergency personnel and individuals displaced by the hurricane.
Businesses/Merchants
- Many shops and stores throughout the county are open, though some may have limited hours.
Events
- In an abundance of caution, Dillsboro’s ColorFest, previously scheduled for this Saturday, is canceled.
Western Carolina University
- WCU has suspended classes through Friday, October 11.
- WCU football will play their scheduled home game on Saturday, October 5, without spectators.
How to Get and Give Help
We remain most grateful for the heroic efforts of first responders, emergency services and volunteers who have stepped up to help in Jackson County and beyond.
Thank you and stay safe.
