Press release from Haywood County:
Dear Friends of Haywood County,This message is current as of October 10, 2024. Expect an updated version in approximately one week.It’s been two weeks since Tropical Storm Helene struck, leaving a significant impact on Haywood County and our five mountain communities—Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Canton, Clyde, and Lake Junaluska.The HCTDA is working with local and state agencies, including Haywood County Government, Emergency Services, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Chamber of Commerce, to ensure public safety and share vital updates.Our top priority remains the safety of our residents and the restoration of essential services. The resilience of our community, supported by visitors like you, strengthens our spirits.Many of you have asked how to help and when it will be safe to return. Below, we’ve provided important information to help you make informed travel decisions.Key Things to Know:Recovery crews and volunteers are working tirelessly to clear debris, repair roads and bridges, and restore essential services. While Main Street in Waynesville and areas of Maggie Valley may seem unaffected, the effects of Tropical Storm Helene are still visible in areas of Haywood County. Please keep this in mind if you decide to visit.Popular roads for fall foliage sightseeing including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cataloochee Valley, US 276, and NC 215 are currently impassable or closed. Many secondary roads are blocked by mud, debris, or are washed out. Please check DriveNC.gov for regular updates on safe, clear routes.With medical and emergency services limited, responders are focused on rescuing those in immediate need. For your safety, most hiking trails remain temporarily closed. This includes those along the Blue Ridge Parkway and within the NC Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Pisgah National Forest, as well as the portions of the Appalachian Trail within those lands, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and the Art Loeb Trail.Please note that many of our hotel rooms and inns are currently filled with emergency workers and displaced residents. If you plan to visit soon, please call in advance to confirm your reservation. Also note many properties are taking reservations for future dates.How you can help: A list of open and closed businesses is up on VisitHaywood.com/helene. If you’re close by, please support them. This list is constantly being updated.If you’d like to support our local businesses from afar, we’ve compiled a list of those with online shops, which can be found at VisitHaywood.com/gifthaywood.Information about how and where you can volunteer to help our community is coming very shortly to this page and our website. · Donate to the Haywood Advancement Foundation and know that 100% of your donation will go directly to help small businesses in Haywood County recover from Helene.We look forward to welcoming you back soon,The Visit Haywood Team
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