Lake Lure Still Rebuilding: One Year Since Hurricane Helene [Ep. 556]

What this episode covers

It’s been one year since Hurricane Helene devastated the Carolinas — from catastrophic flooding in Asheville and the French Broad River Valley to the ongoing recovery in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. In this special Carolina Weather Group podcast, James Brierton talks with WCNC's Brad Panovich and WFMY's Tim Buckley, as they reflect on the storm’s impacts, the lessons still being learned, and the striking parallels to past events like Hurricane Ivan (2004) and the 1916 flood.This special presentation originally aired as "Live Weather Impact," which streams weeknights at 6:30 p.m. on WCNC+ and WFMY+. Stream for free on Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple and more.In this episode, we take you to Lake Lure where recovery continues, explore how back-to-back storms magnify impacts, and discuss why inland flooding remains the Carolinas’ most dangerous hurricane threat. Plus, we break down this week’s growing drought concerns, what it means for fall wildfire season, and why history matters when preparing for future storms.📍 Topics covered:Lake Lure and Chimney Rock recovery one year after HeleneAsheville & French Broad River flooding impactsThe legacy of Hurricane Ivan (2004) & Frances’ back-to-back floodingWhy mountains amplify rainfall and landslide risksInland hurricane threats: flooding, landslides, and communication challengesExpanding drought in the Carolinas and wildfire concerns heading into fallStorms discussed:Hurricane Helene (2024)Hurricane Ivan (2004)Hurricane Frances (2004)Hurricane Katrina (2005)Hurricane Floyd (1999)Hurricane Dennis (1999)Hurricane Sandy (2012)Hurricane Irene (2011)Hurricane Erin (2025)Tropical Storm Gabrielle (2025)📹 Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhGiYbMDccQcdSjpf87nGg/join🧢 MERCH: https://carolinaweathergroup.qbstores.com/💸 LEAVE A TIP: https://streamelements.com/carolinawxgroup/tip🎙️ SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST: https://anchor.fm/carolinaweather🔔 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://patreon.com/carolinaweathergroup💻 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://carolinaweathergroup.comThe Carolina Weather Group operates a weekly talk show of the same name. Broadcasting each week from the Carolinas, the show is dedicated to covering weather, science, technology, and more with newsmakers from the field of atmospheric science. With co-hosts across both North Carolina and South Carolina, the show may closely feature both NC weather and SC weather, but the topics are universally enjoyable for any weather fan. Join us as we talk about weather, the environment, the atmosphere, space travel, and all the technology that makes it possible.

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