Newton, NC – Catawba County Emergency Management has completed local damage assessments as a result of Hurricane Helene. Catawba County experienced historic flooding in the Lookout Shoals area along the Catawba River that affected approximately 100 homes. Approximately 50 additional homes across the county sustained major storm-related damage.

Residents whose properties were identified as sustaining major structural damage caused by Hurricane Helene from Sept. 26 to Sept. 27, 2024, are being notified by letter and are eligible for waived building permit fees and tipping (disposal) fees at the Blackburn Landfill for storm debris. The waiver does not apply to any other costs associated with storm-related damage, including debris removal or hauling.

Residents must present the original letter and a government-issued ID at the Permit Office or Landfill to confirm eligibility. Residents are advised to keep this letter in a safe place; it is non-transferable and applies only to the person(s) owning/occupying properties that were recorded in the assessment. For questions about solid waste tipping fees, please call (704) 462-1348.

Recovery Resources

As coordinated Hurricane Helene evacuation and recovery continues across Western North Carolina, Catawba County is supporting the state and federal agencies leading these efforts. Currently, there are no public shelters housing evacuees in Catawba County. Information about shelters that are open in NC can be found on ReadyNC.gov.

Resources for assistance and other post-hurricane response information, including financial resources for assistance, are being updated as they become available on the Catawba County website. Residents looking to get connected with specific resources may call NC 211 or visit nc211.org.

Donations

The Catawba County United Way has reached capacity and is no longer accepting donations for the Hurricane Helene relief efforts. As we move toward longer-term recovery for our region, material distribution to those in need in Western NC will be increasingly handled by state and federal resources. Individuals and groups wanting to help are encouraged to consider donating financially toward these efforts locally at Catawba County United Way and statewide at the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. For more information call 828-327-6851. Thank You to everyone who has helped in this relief effort in any way.

Volunteering

To sign up for coordinated disaster recovery volunteer opportunities across Western NC, visit Volunteer NC https://www.nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc and NC Voluntary Organizations in Action https://www.ncvoad.org/.