Five people died in Haywood County, hundreds of structures were damaged, and Maggie Valley continues to work on repairs and funding more than a year after the storm.
Click to
WATCH Flooding
From September 2024
HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (Smokies.LIVE Information Center) — Hurricane Helene left a lasting mark on Haywood County, killing five people, damaging hundreds of structures and overwhelming local infrastructure when historic flooding swept through the mountains.
As of June 17, 2025, North Carolina had recorded 107 verified storm-related fatalities from Helene, including five in Haywood County.
Outside Canton city limits, 952 structures were affected by the storm. That included 57 structures that were destroyed and 152 that sustained major damage.
The storm also brought an extraordinary amount of water to the county. An estimated 115 billion gallons of water fell across Haywood County during Helene, contributing to widespread flooding and damage.
The storm displaced 283 households, according to FEMA tracking data. Of those households, 120 received rental or transitional housing assistance.
The financial effects extended beyond homes and infrastructure.
Taxable spending in Haywood County dropped 11.5% immediately following the storm in late 2024. The decline contributed to the county moving into a more distressed state economic tier for 2026.
Maggie Valley continues recovery
Maggie Valley was among the communities dealing with significant infrastructure damage.
Floodwaters temporarily knocked out the town’s water system and severely damaged sewer lines, creek banks, roads and city park infrastructure. Initial damage assessments put the cost of damage at approximately $4.7 million, with estimates ranging from $4 million to $4.7 million.
Much of the initial damage was tied to the town’s sewer system and parks near Jonathan Creek. Several creeks flowing into the valley also overflowed, leaving additional cleanup and restoration needs.
About 250 feet of sewer line and two manholes near the Maggie Valley Carpet Golf attraction sustained significant damage.
Floodwaters also washed away a roughly 20-foot-wide section of native vegetation and adjacent land, creating another restoration project for the town.
According to Interim Town Manager Sam Cullen, the storm recovery effort has focused on restoring critical infrastructure while continuing to welcome visitors to Maggie Valley.
“While we are inviting people to come now, our primary focus is on recovery, making sure that we give our guests the best experience and our citizens here in town,” Cullen said.
The damage from Helene exceeded Maggie Valley’s operating budget, creating an additional challenge as the town works to identify funding for repairs and restoration.
More than a year after the storm, work continues on damaged sewer lines, roads, parks and other infrastructure.
For Maggie Valley and communities across Haywood County, the recovery has extended well beyond the initial emergency response. Local officials continue to balance the needs of residents and visitors while working to secure the funding needed to rebuild infrastructure damaged by Helene.
No responses yet