WNC Continues Recovery; Bakersville’s power restored

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — It has now been a week since Hurricane Helene slammed into western North Carolina with torrential rains and gale-force winds, causing deaths, power outages and a trail of destruction.

These are the latest updates on recovery efforts for Oct. 4, a week after the Sept. 26-27 storm.

8 a.m. – AdventHealth Hendersonville: Elective surgeries postponed

AdventHealth Hendersonville said in an Oct. 4 news release that it offers emergency and inpatient care, including intensive care, behavioral health, laboratory and imaging services. Elective surgeries have been postponed to prioritize urgent care needs.

Additionally, these updates have been provided:

• The Baby Place at AdventHealth: It remained open during the storm and was ready to support expectant mothers. Expectant mothers who are 35 weeks pregnant or older and are not considered high risk may bring their prenatal care documents with them or have them faxed to The Baby Place at 828-681-2749. If you have any questions, call The Baby Place at 828-681-2260.
• Outpatient services: Primary and specialty care services are available at AdventHealth Medical Group’s offices on Doctors Drive and Hospital Drive in Hendersonville, as well as its Parkway office locations in South Asheville, Forge Mountain, Candler and East Asheville. Providers will again hold a walk-in primary care clinic on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Medical Office Building at 50 Hospital Drive in Hendersonville. The AdventHealth Pediatrics office in MOB is open until 3 p.m. today.
• Support for team members: Over the past week, at least 18 Advent team members have lost their homes and others have suffered significant damage and loss. But many still come to work to ensure the safety and care of their patients. AdventHealth continues to provide food, shelter and other support to all of our team members. We would like to thank the community for their generosity by donating to our team.
• Community Resources: AdventHealth provides information on medical practices, community resources and other support for those affected by the hurricane. For more information, visit AdventHealthWNC.com or follow AdventHealth on social media.

7:30 a.m. – Shops in Weaverville begin to reopen

A caller told News 13 that several businesses in Weaverville had reopened.

The caller said all of these stores were open today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Walmart (25 Northridge Commons Parkway), Ingles (140 Weaver Blvd.) and Publix (165 Weaver Blvd.).

2 a.m. – The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office updates the death toll

According to a social media post, the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office said the death toll from the storm currently stands at eight.

“As search and rescue efforts continue, the Sheriff’s Office has worked with our state and federal partners to save lives and honor those who died,” the post said. “While final figures are still pending, the current official death toll from the storm is eight storm-related deaths and one death from what the coroner believes to be natural causes. As we reflect on what we have lost and.” We grieve with those who mourn and remain incredibly grateful for the privilege of serving the people of our mountain home.

MIDNIGHT – French Broad Electric: Bakersville power restored

French Broad Electric reported on social media overnight that power was restored to the city of Bakersville at midnight.

“There is still so much damage to be repaired in many parts of our system, but we are shortening our failure list every day,” the post said.

The post continued: “The people of Bakersville have been so patient and supportive, as have many of the other communities we serve. It feels really good to know we were able to give power back to some of them tonight.”