“You’re alive. The rest will fall in place, and you just have to keep on trucking.” CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — Nearly seven months after Hurricane Helene tore through the small mountain town of Chimney Rock, the scars left behind are slowly giving way to signs of strength. The storm gutted homes, shattered storefronts and upended lives. But today, the people of Chimney Rock are doing more than just recovering. They’re rebuilding with purpose. For Shari…

A tree crashed into a woman’s bedroom during Tuesday’s storms. “It would’ve killed me,” she said. FORT LAWN, S.C. — Families in Lancaster and Chester counties are working to recover after severe storms pushed through the area on Tuesday, damaging homes and power lines. Crews worked throughout the day to clear debris and repair power lines after downed trees left some residents without electricity for nearly 24 hours. The storm moved through quickly but with…

Matthew Rogers lost his cabin in Flat Rock to wildfires after making his final mortgage payment, highlighting the growing threat driven by climate change. FLAT ROCK, N.C. — Matthew Rogers had just made his final mortgage payment on the cabin he bought 30 years ago in Flat Rock when a wildfire tore through the property, turning a lifetime of memories into ashes. “Everything is gone… it’s just so hard to see it,” Rogers said. “I…

Matthew Rogers lost his cabin in Flat Rock to wildfires after making his final mortgage payment, highlighting the growing threat driven by climate change. FLAT ROCK, N.C. — Matthew Rogers had just made his final mortgage payment on the cabin he bought 30 years ago in Flat Rock when a wildfire tore through the property, turning a lifetime of memories into ashes. “Everything is gone… it’s just so hard to see it,” Rogers said. “I…

The Bee Rock Creek Fire in McDowell County has grown to over 2,085 acres and is 50% contained, state officials said. MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Multiple crews are working to contain a wildfire in McDowell County, officials said.  McDowell County Emergency Management said the fire started along Armstrong Creek Road, just off North Carolina Highway 226 in Turkey Cove. As of Tuesday morning, the fire had grown to 2,085 acres and was 50% contained, according…

Residents who live in the Kings Creek area are being evacuated due to a growing fire, Caldwell County officials said. CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Evacuations are underway in Caldwell County due to a new wildfire that is threatening homes in the Kings Creek area, officials said Thursday.  Caldwell County evacuation areas Highland Meadows Valley Drive Mountain Creek Lane Deer Run Bear Run Laurel Ridge Drive

“When you go through the numbers, it’s mindboggling,” Chimney Rock Mayor Peter O’Leary said. CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — More than six months after Hurricane Helene tore through the mountains of Western North Carolina, the village of Chimney Rock is showing signs of life again. The once-vibrant mountain town was nearly wiped out by flooding, mudslides and wind damage. Roads collapsed, businesses were gutted, and dozens of homes washed away. But now, thanks to a tireless…

“When you go through the numbers, it’s mindboggling,” Chimney Rock Mayor Peter O’Leary said. CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. — More than six months after Hurricane Helene tore through the mountains of Western North Carolina, the village of Chimney Rock is showing signs of life again. The once-vibrant mountain town was nearly wiped out by flooding, mudslides and wind damage. Roads collapsed, businesses were gutted, and dozens of homes washed away. But now, thanks to a tireless…