In recent months, Hurricane Helene and the historic flooding it unleashed on western North Carolina have dominated housing headlines. The Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) estimates damages and needs totaling $59.

Businesses in Western North Carolina took a hit after Helene hit on Sept. 27, causing unemployment to skyrocket.

Typically, the winter months draw millions of visitors to the Blue Ridge Mountains, inviting hiking trails and live music venues. But all that is over for now.