The death toll for Hurricane Helene continues to grow as President Joe Biden plans to visit the Carolinas on Wednesday. The storm is now being blamed for at least 166 deaths in the Southeast. Of those, 49 confirmed deaths were reported in North Carolina with the majority of those being in Buncombe County. Over 600 people are reported missing but it's unclear exactly how many people are unaccounted for because so many areas are still isolated from the outside world.
Richard DeVayne joins the show from Boone, where cleanup is underway. The floodwaters have receded but business owners fear it could take years for the local economy to recover from Helene's impacts.
Plus, we're sharing ways you can help those impacted by the storm. WCNC Charlotte has partnered with the Red Cross and Operation Airdrop to assist those feeling the impact of Helene.
There are approximately 30 helicopters and more than 50 airplanes transporting supplies, and all pilots are volunteers.
WCNC Charlotte has partnered with Operation Airdrop for a community-wide donation day on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the parking lot of the Walmart near Concord Mills Mall at 5825 Thunder Road NW Concord, NC 28027
