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EMERGENCY TRAVEL ALERT: TROPICAL STORM HELENE (OCTOBER 11, 2024) —
Last updated: 10/11/24 at 2:39PM
TRAVEL ALERT
As Haywood County and Western North Carolina move into the recovery phase following Tropical Storm Helene, we want to keep you updated on the current conditions. While emergency response efforts are still in progress, our focus is shifting to recovery, rebuilding, and damage assessment.
If you’re planning to visit, we encourage you to stay informed and make thoughtful travel decisions. We will release a revised travel update weekly. You can access the current and past updates here: 10/3/24, 10/10/24.
If you’re in the area, please support our local businesses! You can find a list of open businesses at VisitHaywood.com/helene. Please be aware that Haywood County is currently under a curfew from 1 AM to 6 AM.
Thank you for your patience and support. We appreciate everyone being mindful and respectful as Haywood County and Western North Carolina continue to recover.
Below, you’ll find more information on ongoing relief efforts, outdoor recreation closures, event cancellations and other important resources in Haywood County.
Cell and internet service were severely impacted by TS Helene. We will do our best to answer your phone calls at (828) 944-0761 during business hours, but please be patient and understand that some local businesses remain disconnected from phone lines. lease call back later if you have trouble connecting.
The NCDOT map now shows Haywood County outside of the ‘essential travel only’ zone. However, some local road closures remain in effect.
I-40W at Exit 20/Knoxville, I-26 at Exit 3, and parts of I-40E are impassable. Only emergency and local traffic is allowed past I-77 at Statesville. NCDOT and emergency services request that travel be limited to emergency purposes only.
Travel in this area for non-emergency purposes may hinder needed emergency response.
Popular fall foliage viewing road US-276 is closed in both directions in Cruso from Camp Hope Road to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for a small section near Old Michael Road in Canton.
No trucks over 30-feet long are allowed to travel on US-19.
For information on safe, clear routes, visit DriveNC.gov.
Haywood County’s fuel supply continues to increase, but you may experience a wait at the pump. As emergency operations are ongoing, it’s important we all do our part to ensure availability for emergencies. Only take what you need and be considerate of others.
Some grocery stores are still experiencing supply chain issues. Many Haywood County residents, as well as folks in need from neighboring counties, are still restocking their fridges and pantries. Please shop responsibly.
Some households across the county are still without running water and/or power.
If you are unable to reach your loved one(s), use one of the following resources to report a missing person or request a welfare check:
The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed to all in North Carolina uses until further notice. Here is the most recent update from the Parkway, released 10/8/24.
All roads into the Pisgah National Forest are closed or impassable. The Forest Service has shut down all recreational sites within Pisgah until further notice. Check here for a full list of closures and additional updates.
Conditions in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remain hazardous. Hiking and backcountry travel are not recommended due to the unpredictability of creek crossings, potential of downed trees and other hazardous trail conditions. Park staff will evaluate trails once roads are safely assessed, which will impact emergency response time. Cataloochee Valley, Big Creek, Balsam Mountain remain closed as of 10/11/24. Check the Park website for additional updates or call (865) 436-1200 and follow the automated prompts for road conditions.
In accordance with the above, the Art Loeb Trail, Mountains to Sea Trail, and the portions of the Appalachian Trail through Haywood County’s public lands are closed.
Chestnut Mountain Nature Park in Canton is closed until further notice.
All public parks in Haywood County, including the Waynesville Greenway, the Waynesville Dog Park, and Canton Recreation Park, are closed indefinitely.
The United Way of Haywood County is managing all monetary donations to support local recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene. Your contributions will directly assist local families and individuals impacted by the storm. You can donate via the United Way of Haywood County website to make a secure donation at https://www.uwhaywood.org, or by sending checks to PO BOX 1139, Waynesville, NC 28786. Please note “Tropical Storm Helene Relief” in the memo line.
The Haywood Advancement Foundation has approved a grant program to help businesses with cleanup efforts, which will be available through the end of October. The Foundation is also providing no-interest loans for six months, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Please consider donating to The Foundation here to fund small business recovery efforts.
Donate to Mountain Projects’ Emergency Fund to help those in need of disaster relief funding and assistance. If you’d prefer to give by check, please mail to:
Attn. “Emergency Fund”
Mountain Projects, Inc.
2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786
Pay it forward to the NC Hospitality Worker Relief Fund or Southern Smoke Foundation. With many businesses forced to cut down on hours or shutter completely, hospitality workers in Haywood County are in dire need of assistance.
At the state level, the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is now accepting contributions for hurricane damage. Make a secure donation online here, or send your contribution by mail to the following address:
North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund
20312 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Support local businesses during this difficult time by shopping online or purchasing a gift card to use on your next Haywood County vacation! See a list a businesses with online storefronts and gift card availability here.
Call Haywood County’s local donation hotline at (828) 203-6875.
Volunteer opportunities will be posted here as they become available. Please check back regularly.
10/3 – 10/27: “Kaleidoscope” Exhibit – Cancelled. Haywood County Arts Council Handmade Gallery will be closed until further notice.
10/12: 41st Annual Church Street Art & Craft Festival – Cancelled. Next date: 10/11/25.
10/12: Smoky Mountain Bluegrass Festival – Cancelled. Next date: 10/25/25.
10/19: Smoky Mountain Geek Expo – Cancelled. Next date: 10/18/25
10/19: Apple Harvest Festival will take place as scheduled, but on a smaller scale.
10/19-20: Maggie Valley Fall Arts & Crafts Show will take place as scheduled.
This is not an exhaustive list. Although this page will be regularly updated to the best of Visit Haywood’s ability, please reach out to event organizers directly for the most up-to-date information.
