The storm left behind a nearly incalculable amount of debris, and in the weeks since Helene landed there have been immense efforts from both North Carolina government leaders and citizens of western North Carolina to clear out the debris and return things to a sense of normalcy.

Warming ocean waters contributed to Helene's intensity but others were classic weather set ups, like a predecessor rain event.

Graham Avery, Avery Farms Manager, spoke about how Helene destroyed more than 60,000 Christmas trees on the farm. Nov. 22, 2024.