Additional Coverage:
Hurricane Helene has forced the closure of the Biltmore Estate, the largest privately-owned property in the US. The iconic estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina, has suffered extensive damage due to flooding and winds.
The estate’s 175,000 square feet, with its 250 rooms and numerous amenities, has been affected by the storm. The entrance and low-lying areas have experienced significant damage, while the gardens and hotels have been spared the worst.
The storm has claimed at least 223 lives across the Southeast, including in western North Carolina, where the estate is located. Uprooted homes, submerged vehicles, and damaged infrastructure are visible throughout the region.
Crews are working to clear roads and assess the damage to the estate, which will remain closed until repairs are completed.