Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage in Asheville on Sept. 28.
Photographer: Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images
Homebuyers Drawn to Asheville Are Hit by Horror of Hurricane Helene
The area’s mild weather and altitude had enticed retirees and affluent transplants. They are now grappling with the destruction wrought by the storm.
Nestled in North Carolina’s bucolic Blue Ridge mountains far from the coast, Asheville was supposed to be a refuge from extreme weather supercharged by climate change. Waves of tourists, retirees and affluent home buyers were drawn to the city’s arts scene, with the mild weather and altitude making it feel like a haven.
That illusion was ruined this past week. The destruction wrought by Hurricane Helene has been catastrophic — expansive flooding, wrecked roads, bridges, power lines and drinking water systems. At least 40 people are dead.