Avery County residents cut off due to damage from Helene

AVERY COUNTY, N.C. ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — Family members and people living in Avery County in Banner Elk reached out to Queen City News Saturday, telling us they’re cut off from everything because of flooded roads and collapsed bridges in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

They have no power, water, or sewer, and they’re having trouble getting in touch with family and friends.

Scott Carew sent QCN a photo Saturday, saying he was trying to “open a line of communication with the outside world.” You can make out a bit of pavement in the picture.

Carew says that pavement covered in water and downed trees is what used to be the bridge that’s now washed away, stranding people who live along the Elk River in Banner Elk.

They have no power, water, or cell service and limited Wi-Fi to send messages, and no way to get out in an emergency.

“All of the roads have collapsed around that area. There was one road to Boone that I know of,” said Faith Blecher, whose daughter attends Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk.

Faith Blecher also reached out to us because she couldn’t get in touch with her daughter, Taylor Blecher, who’s also stranded in Banner Elk.

“It was scary, but I was hoping that they’d at least be ok, but worrying about it’s been tough,” said Blecher.

She finally got word Saturday afternoon that her daughter is safe at school, but she can’t get home.

A photo from the Facebook page, “Visit Banner Elk,” shows the bridge is gone on NC 184.

Taylor Blecher’s dorm is on the side of a mountain.

Faith Blecher says students were evacuated to a community center because of concerns over possible mudslides.

“I do hope they can get some resources in there to help them get the roads clear so they can get home to their parents and have food and water, I know they were trying to get some flown in there today, but right now the whole town is just basically cut off from society because all the roads are gone,” said Faith Blecher.

Blecher lives in Georgia, not far from Jacksonville, Florida, and also has no power at her home because of damage from Hurricane Helene.

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2 deputies among ‘tragic deaths’ in NC mountains from Helene flooding, officials say

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South Carolina Governor McMaster gives update on impact of Hurricane Helene

Harris Teeter announces free water, ice distribution to Boone, Asheville community

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