MEBANE, N.C. (WNCN) — Hurricane Helene has left crews working to clear and repair roads across western North Carolina. Many roads are destroyed, covered by debris, and impassable after several inches of rain left areas dealing with mudslides, fallen trees, and flooding.
Jim Horstman, hauling materials for Crete Carrier, stopped at a truck stop in Mebane on Monday, with plans to head to Illinois. He said he and many drivers have had their routes impacted while heading to and across North Carolina.
“I’ve seen videos of drivers who were parked when the storm came through and their trucks were flooded all the way up to the window on the driver’s door,” Horstman said. “Their trucks were completely flooded.”
“I know the other drivers have to reroute to get around I-40,” he continued. “That puts an extra strain on all the drivers out here because they have to go out of route, extra miles, and extra hours. They’re limited on the amount of time drivers have to drive to their destinations,
Days ago, the North Carolina Department of Transportation informed everyone not to travel in or to the western part of the state. According to the agency’s website, “All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited.” NCDOT also states I-40 continues to be impassable in many locations.