One year after Hurricane Helene dealt billions of dollars' worth of damage to communities in East Tennessee and western North Carolina, local governments are still struggling to pick up the pieces and restore damaged infrastructure.

As East Tennessee recovers after Hurricane Helene, farmers find their land has changed in unexpected ways. University of Tennessee soil scientists are testing the ground to create future plans.

On September 27, 2024 Hurricane Helene struck the heart of Appalachia, devastating rural communities throughout East Tennessee. One year later, many are still picking up the pieces.

The Sgt. Elbert L. Kinser Memorial Bridge that crosses the Nolichucky River in Greene County was destroyed by Hurricane Helene in September. TDOT contractors built a replacement in less than eight months at a cost of nearly $30 million.

Many small communities that dot the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains rely on whitewater rafting for tourism. In September, Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to the region, destroying many outdoor water adventure businesses. Now, some are starting to bounce back.

Hurricane Helene devastated Johnson County, destroying homes and jobs. Helping Others of Johnson County is providing support for flood victims and displaced residents.

Billions of dollars of damage were caused when Helene slammed into East Tennessee nearly three months ago. But since the arrival of FEMA in the region, misinformation being spread on social media has led to a lack of trust in the agency.

Pastors in several churches across the county are opening their doors to the unhoused, offering a warm bed and a hot meal to those who have "lost their nothing" after Tropical Storm Helene.

Shelter director Cody Walker says that it could take at least one year until the shelter is fully restored.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture says they lack the funding to help farms wrecked by flooding in East Tennessee.