Ten days have passed since Hurricane Helene and the community is still recovering from its disastrous effects.
Organizations and crews across the Burke County community have been working to restore what was lost from services to personal needs like food, water, and clothes.
POWER OUTAGES
Electric crews in the City of Morganton worked during the weekend to restore numerous customers.
While crews are reconnecting customers, your power may go out temporarily. The City advised to wait 30 minutes to report the outage. The Morganton City Council will be recapping where the City stands at tonight’s Oct. 7 regular council meeting.
Customers without power are asked to look at their outside meter base and power connection point for any damages. If there is damage, residents are instructed to contact a licensed electrician, who will need an electrical permit from the City’s inspection office. All storm damage-related permits are free of charge, within the City’s jurisdiction.
Contact the building inspection office at 828-438-5266 or the electric department at 828-438-5277.
In addition to City crews, Duke Energy and Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation are still reconnecting their customers to power.
A total of 29 Duke Energy customers are still without power while Rutherford EMC reports 7,221 in the dark. More than 53,000 Rutherford EMC customers have been restored in its 10-county service area.
The bulk of the current outages are in the south part of Burke County and around Lake James. General Manager Dirk Burleson said their crews are working tirelessly to restore all members.
“We are proud of the progress we are making with restoration efforts and thankful for the support we have received from our members and the cooperatives from across the state and country who have come to assist us,” said Burleson.
MESSAGE FROM BURKE GOVERNMENT
Burke County government officials sent out an encouraging message about the recovery process in the county and the assistance available to them.
“In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we recognize the hardship and uncertainty our community is facing,” officials stated. “Recovery will be a long road, but please remember, we are North Carolinians—we are strong, and we look out for each other, especially in the toughest times. Now is the time to rally together, to lift each other up, and to keep hope alive. This is not a time to give up, but to place our hope in the brighter days ahead as we rebuild together.”
The county has been working with the following organizations:
- National Guard
- N.C. Emergency Management
- FEMA
- Widespread amount of volunteers and donors
They also shared various dedicated phone lines for different resources available:
- Volunteer Coordination: 828-764-7068
- Donations Coordination: 828-764-3204
- Debris Removal Coordination: 828-764-3088
- Public Relations Coordination: 828-764-4732
- United Way’s N.C. 211 Service (24/7): 2-1-1 or 888-892-1162
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8
“Thank you for your patience, strength, and resilience. Burke County is strong because of its people, and together, we will overcome, rebuild, and grow stronger than ever. Stay strong, Burke County—your community and your government are with you every step of the way,” officials said.
OTHER NEWS
Here is a list of road closures and reported end timeframes in Burke County, by the DriveNC.gov website:
- Oakland Avenue near Enon Drive, trees in the roadway — Oct. 10
- East Parker Road near Foothills Drive — Oct. 10
- Clark Loop near Morris Loop, due to pipe failure — Nov. 30
- Rose Carswell near U.S. 64, due to bridge failure — Nov. 30
- Gold Mine Road near U.S. 64, due to fallen tree — Oct. 10
- N.C.126 near Benfield Landing, due to structural damage — Nov. 30
- Fish Hatchery Road near Kayga Road, the road is impassible — Oct. 10
Located at 2128 S. Sterling St., the Relief Center at Foothills Higher Education Center is looking for volunteers for different shifts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until supplies are exhausted. You can sign up by clicking here. In addition to food, water, and other necessities, residents can pick up free tarps at the center to protect property damaged by the storm. Tarps are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Proof of Burke County residency may be required to receive the assistance.
“We understand that many of our residents have sustained damage to their homes and properties. These tarps are intended to provide temporary relief by helping cover holes in roofs until permanent repairs can be made,” said Director Mike Willis of Burke County Emergency Services.
The Lake James Environmental Association has advised for boats to remain off the water, reporting that the currents of the water and the debris making the waters dangerous.
“For those of you who like cold water swims, we advise that you stay out of the water as well,” the association stated. “Between loose cables, pollution, sewage in some areas and the debris it is not safe to swim. Woody debris is often found just under the water where it is hard to see.
“It is not safe to run your boat at higher speeds. We will be doing some water quality testing once the water recedes and it is safe to do so.”
The association added that the lake’s hydro station was damaged by the storm and Duke Energy will be unable to control the water flow. Duke Energy is unable to predict when they can fix it which leaves the water level to be over 100 feet.
If another rain event occurs, there could be more flooding issues by the lake.
SCHOOL OPENINGS/CLOSURES
Schools remain closed at least through Tuesday, Oct. 8. Burke County Public Schools plans to reopen schools on a two-hour delay for students and one-hour delay for staff on Wednesday, Oct. 9, to Friday, Oct. 11. Tuesday remains as an optional workday for teachers.
The North Carolina School for the Deaf has announced it will reopen to students on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics-Morganton is now on Condition 1 status, meaning some staff is back to work at the campus. The school communicated that students might be welcomed back at some point this week.