Local businesses show resilience as they rebuild six months after Hurricane Helene.
ASHE COUNTY, N.C. — Six months after Hurricane Helene devastated downtown Lansing, local businesses are showing resilience and hope as they prepare to reopen.
The storm submerged the downtown area under 10 feet of water, causing catastrophic damage. The local post office saw water levels reaching light fixtures, destroying nearly everything in its path.
Amy Blevins, a local business owner, reflected on the journey of recovery. “We knew we wanted to get back to this place, but we didn’t know it was possible,” she said.
Another business owner, Amy Annes, measured the water line at 96 inches during the flooding. Her building was completely underwater, and the recovery has been a slow, challenging process.
Despite the devastation, the community has shown remarkable support. Annes recalled a stranger from Charlotte who walked in and offered financial assistance during the darkest times.
Some businesses are choosing to preserve reminders of the hurricane’s impact. Blevins plans to leave a section of her store “dirty as a reminder of the hurricane.”
Annes is set to reopen her business this Saturday, with customers already eager to return. Local businesses across Ashe County continue to rebuild, demonstrating the community’s resilience in the face of natural disaster.
