'Unprecedented situation': Cooper updates Helene recovery in NC mountains

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." READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/weather/hurricane/helene/roy-cooper-tour-storm-damage-ashe-avery-watauga-counties-impacts/275-dc27542c-3b3f-4519-86e7-3e5e8c0d9f4bDonate moneyWCNC Charlotte partnered with the American Red Cross to help gather donations to go to efforts that will help people impacted by Helene. We've launched a special web page where you can either select a monetary amount or enter your own. You can make donations using a credit card or PayPal account.CLICK HERE TO DONATEIf you wish to donate by mail, you can print and fill out a donation form and mail it to:American Red Cross PO Box 37839Boone, IA 50037-0839Donations can also be made via phone at:1-800-435-7669TDD Operator: 1-800-220-4095Samaritan's Purse (Headquartered in Boone)United Way North Carolina Helene Recovery fundraiserSalvation Army Hurricane Helene Relief donation page