Damage to trees in western North Carolina from Hurricane Helene was ‘extraordinary and humbling’ but urban areas face particular problemsThe city of Asheville and its surrounding areas have been left vulnerable to floods, fires and extreme heat after Hurricane Helene uprooted thousands of trees that provided shade and protection from storms.Helene was catastrophic for the region’s trees – in part due to the heavy precursor rainstorm that pounded southern Appalachia for two days straight, drenching the soil before Helene hit, bringing yet more heavy rain and 60-100mph winds. Continue reading...
Hurricane Helene in September 2024 caused extensive tree loss in Asheville, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, leaving the city vulnerable to floods, fires, and extreme heat. The storm, worsened by preceding heavy rain, uprooted thousands of trees, particularly hardwoods like red oaks and hickories. This damage, coupled with pre-existing tree canopy decline, threatens Asheville's ecosystem services and exposes the River Arts District and other areas to future storm damage. Research is underway to understand tree species' vulnerability to increasingly powerful storms.
