Helene Impacts and Recovery

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida and then stormed across multiples states in the Southeast. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, the storm devastated the park and local areas with up to 30 inches of rain in localized areas and peak sustained winds of up to 60 miles per hour. The heavy rain and wind resulted in significant damage along the Parkway, including thousands of downed trees and debris covering the motor road, damage to facilities and multiple landslides that resulted in weakened structural integrity and loss of road segments.

Find up-to-date information on the impact Hurricane Helene had on the Parkway, including storm damage, recovery progress, and up-to-date status on road and facility closures and reopening information here.

 

 

Common Questions

Expand the panels below for answers to some of the common questions asked about the impacts of mudslides, wind and rain on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

When will the entire parkway reopen?

Sections of road are reopening as they are cleared of tree debris and assessed for damage. Roadway conditions may change at anytime, since the area around landslides on the road are moving and settling. For more information on open sections of the parkway, visit Current Conditions for a map or Road Conditions for a list. 

How can I stay up to date with the Parkway’s recovery and repair work?

To stay informed about the progress of our recovery efforts, visit the Helene Recovery Projects - At a Glance page on our website for more details on project updates, maps showing closures, and additional information and photos about storm recovery along the Parkway.

Will this impact the ecology of the area?

There will probably be some impact to the future ecology of the parkway, but we don’t know any more information about that impact at this time. For more information about ecological monitoring on the Blue Ridge Parkway, check the Appalachian Highlands Inventory and Monitoring site. 

What caused the large holes along Blue Ridge Parkway?

We're studying what happened on the Blue Ridge Parkway during Hurricane Helene. Other parks have had similar slope failures along roadways. To learn more about the study of landslides, read an article about a similar event at a single site or check out the National Park Service geohazard page.

What is the current status of a repair needed near me?

To find the status of recovery and repair projects by milepost location, visit Helene Recovery Projects - At a Glance for additional information.

What is the status of trails along the Parkway?

While a number of trails remain open along the Parkway for visitors to enjoy, some areas are currently closed due to storm damage. National Park Service staff are still assessing trail conditions across the park to ensure safety and accessibility. Please be sure to follow all trailhead signage, avoid closed sections, and remember that any hiking undertaken is at your own risk. Trails within closed sections of the parkway motor road are CLOSED. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we continue to work on restoring the trail network.  

 

Parkway before and after storm debris clearing work

Left image
National Park Service staff complete initial assessment of fallen debris on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Credit: NPS

Right image
After clearing debris on October 30, 2024.
Credit: NPS / Jonathan Shafer

 

Near Mile Marker 390.4 on Blue Ridge Parkway

Left image
National Park Service staff start work to clear fallen trees on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Credit: NPS

Right image
Cleared portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway
Credit: NPS / Jonathan Shafer