ASHEVILLE, N.C. — At a press conference Tuesday, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and other state officials gave updates on recovery efforts in North Carolina in the wake of Helene.
According to CBS News, 56 people in North Carolina have died as a result of the storm, including at least 40 in Buncombe County.
Search and rescue efforts are still underway in many counties across western North Carolina. Cooper encouraged citizens to stay of the roads in the region unless travel is absolutely necessary.
Cooper also said 57,000 affected people in North Carolina have already applied for FEMA disaster assistance.
According to one state official, I-40 East at Old Fort has reopened, and I-40 West is expected to be open there later today. I-26 is open across the state, while US 421 is open to Boone and a little past Boone.
NCDOT says while I-40 West has reopened in some areas, only emergency/local traffic is allowed past I-77. NCDOT recommends a limit on travel to the western part of the state. Travel for non-emergency purposes is hindering necessary emergency response. Also, resources like food, water, fuel and cell service are limited and local roads could be closed.
I-40 at mile-marker 3, near the Tennessee state line, is still closed. Officials are hoping to stabilize the parts of the road that have been damaged and begin repairs as soon as possible.
Many other roads remain closed.
A spokesperson for the N.C. National Guard said 800 guardsmen and 275 vehicles have been deployed to western North Carolina, and more are on the way. He said yesterday that around 2,000 pounds of food and supplies were delivered to affected areas.
The NC National Guard said it should have guards and a liason officer in every single affected county by the end of Tuesday.
Looking for ways to support residents of western North Carolina affected by Helene? We've compiled a list of reputable organizations who are already delivering aid, and you can find it here.
If you would like to donate online to the American Red Cross, you can use the following link: WFMY News 2 is supporting the American Red Cross.
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