Storm damage at Tweetsie Railroad, Biltmore and other Western NC landmarks after Helene
By Chyna Blackmon,
7 hours ago
Nearly two weeks after Hurricane Helene swept through the southeast as a tropical storm, much of the damage across North Carolina is still being assessed, even at some of the state’s most loved tourist attractions.
Along with several roads shut down after being washed out, several big businesses and landmarks in Western North Carolina are closed after flood damage from the storm.
From popular roadways to state parks, here’s the latest on some of the damage left behind from Helene’s destructive wrath on some of the top spots in North Carolina’s biggest mountain towns:
Storm damage at Biltmore Estate’s lodge gate after Hurricane Helene. Courtesy of The Biltmore Company
While Helene storm damage varies across the 8,000-acre property of America’s largest home, the Biltmore House, conservatory, winery, gardens, and hotels had little to no damage from Helene, but the entrance to Biltmore and other low-lying areas of the property did have some flooding.
According to the estate’s website, guests with daytime tickets for Sept. 27-Nov. 1 can reschedule a visit once the estate is reopened or request a refund online . Overnight guests with stays scheduled for Sept. 27-Nov. 1 will be emailed with more details about alternative options.
While the estate is being restored, the team launched a $2 million “Biltmore Relief Fund for WNC” to support estate employees, emergency response teams and nonprofit partners in Asheville.
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
Helene ripped parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway away, including this section near Gooch Gap in McDowell County. The road is closed for the foreseeable future in all of North Carolina and Virginia, park rangers said on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
While damage from Helene is still being assessed, the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed, the National Park Service announced. One week following the storm, tens of thousands of trees across the roadway and nearly three dozen rock and mudslides have been discovered, which is why officials warn that “until the parkway has been reopened, entering closed sections is not only dangerous to visitors and recovery crews, but also illegal.”
“The damage left behind by the storm has created dangerous conditions, some of which are not immediately visible from the road itself,” Tracy Swartout, superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, said in a release. “We thank the public for their cooperation in respecting closures for their safety and to allow crews to complete their work.”
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
Both the private park and state park at Grandfather Mountain are closed at this time. According to the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation website , Helene brought landslides, flooding and an “extreme number of downed trees and powerlines” to the area.Along with the state park portion of Grandfather Mountain, all state parks and recreation areas west of I-77 in Western North Carolina have temporarily closed.
The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is accepting donations to provide relief to those in need around the area. You can contribute online at grandfather.com/helene .
All state parks west of I-77 and most park programs are closed through at least Oct. 31.
Storm damage is still being assessed at the North Carolina Arboretum in south Asheville following Helene so it is closed until further notice. At this time, the team is warning the public to avoid trying to walk or bike onto the 434-acre public garden.
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
The team at The Omni Grove Park Inn says they are in the early stages of assessing the impact on the property’s infrastructure so the hotel is temporarily closed and does not have water or power. While the team is working on restoring full operations, the Omni’s website says the team is also clearing debris from its golf course and addressing minor flooding.
Guests with bookings through Oct. 26 have been canceled and those who pre-paid will be issued refunds. Those with future reservations will be contacted about alternative arrangements.
During its temporary closure, the hotel announced that it is collecting donations to assist its associates affected by the storm. Contributions can be made online at linktr.ee/omniresources .
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
While storm cleanup continues from Helene, North Carolina’s first theme park remains temporarily closed. A spokesperson for the park told The Observer that the park incurred some damage during the storm and flooding.
According to the park website, all ticket sales have been paused but those who already purchased some can request a refund or exchange by emailing tickets@tweetsie.com .
To support relief efforts in the area, the team launched the #TweetsieMatchingChallenge. The park made an initial $10,000 donation to Samaritan’s Purse, with a pledge to match and even triple additional contributions.
“This community has always supported Tweetsie Railroad, and we want to do our part to give back in its time of need,” Chris Robbins, president at Tweetsie Railroad, said in a statement.
“Many of our loyal customers have heard that Tweetsie Railroad incurred some damage during the hurricane and flooding, and offered contributions to help the park get back in operation. We would much rather that they provide direct assistance to those who have a greater need than us.”
An estimated reopening date has yet to be announced.
I remember tweestie railroad as a girl. I hope all is restored.
Darla Reese
1h ago
I went to Tweetsie Railroad every year as a child. I am 60 now and remember all the fun times there with both my Nannie and Pawpaw! I began to drive them there every year as they got older. Pawpaw always enjoyed the salon show as we all did. I had my picture taken at 9 years old with the famous tv show cowboy! I can't remember his name but it was to with Tonto I think was the name. lol! What a precious and generous offer the President of Tweetsie has offered during this awful time for Western NC! God Bless you and thank you for many great memories of Tweetsie over the years! ❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
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