HURRICANE HELENE

Before-and-After Satellite Images Show the Effects of Helene on Western North Carolina

Bird’s-eye views of how the storm devastated parts of cities and entire towns

These before-and-after satellite images of Asheville and other areas of Western North Carolina, provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, show the destruction caused by heavy rains before and during Hurricane Helene.

The before images were taken in 2022; the after images on October 5–7, 2024, following Helene’s landfall on September 26. 

Photo: NOAA

Biltmore Village, Asheville

Photo: NOAA

Biltmore Village, Asheville

Photo: NOAA

River Arts District, Asheville

Photo: NOAA

Chimney Rock

Photo: NOAA

Chimney Rock

Photo: NOAA

Broad River east of Chimney Rock, near Lake Lure

Photo: NOAA

Broad River east of Chimney Rock, near Lake Lure

Photo: NOAA

Bat Cave

Photo: NOAA

Bat Cave

Photo: NOAA

Old Fort

Photo: NOAA

Old Fort

Photo: NOAA

Swannanoa

Photo: NOAA

Swannanoa

Photo: NOAA

Pisgah High School, Canton

Photo: NOAA

Pisgah High School, Canton