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.

 
vehicle on parkway with downed trees and debris
Helene: Road to Recovery

Scope of damage, funding, and recreation.

Tractor removing muddy debris
Recovery Projects - At a Glance

Recovery construction projects by milepost and status.

road closure gate
Current Road Status and Closures

Updated daily: View open and closed Parkway sections.

 

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.

 
Map showing Parkway sections impacted by Hurricane Helene
This map highlights areas along the Parkway where the most significant damage from Hurricane Helene occurred and where initial emergency repair work is underway. It is not a complete list of all sites that will require repair and restoration work, just those scheduled for the first phase of recovery.

NPS Map

 

Parkway before and after storm debris clearing work

Several people wearing brightly colored clothing stand among fallen trees and other debris on a road. Several people wearing brightly colored clothing stand among fallen trees and other debris on a road.

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

Tress lie across a road with several national park service staff in bright clothing standing nearby Tress lie across a road with several national park service staff in bright clothing standing nearby

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

 
 
 

News Releases about Hurricane Helene Recovery Efforts

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    Last updated: February 4, 2025

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