Helene recovery, cleanup continues in western NC: WCNC Charlotte To Go

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper says progress is being made to restore power and bring resources to western North Carolina during a trip to Boone to survey Helene's widespread damage.

Cooper toured Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties during Thursday's trip to Boone. Those counties include some of the hardest-hit areas in the whole state, such as Blowing Rock and Newland. Cooper confirmed that 60 people have died in North Carolina due to Helene but said that number will increase as crews reach more remote areas that have been isolated since the storm.

"To wake up one morning and everything that you own be gone is a tragic situation," Cooper said. "This is an unprecedented situation that's going to require an unprecedented response."

The governor said 31 aircraft are helping deliver supplies to western North Carolina, along with search and rescue teams and increased supplies for those impacted by Helene. Cooper said utility providers are optimistic up to 90% of electricity could be restored by Friday.

"This is a team effort," Cooper said. "We're grateful to all of our volunteer organizations and people of faith who have been coordinated to work through western North Carolina. If there's ever been a time that we needed you, it is now. We know that the people of western North Carolina are resilient." #Helene #Hurricane

READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/weather/...

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