Data from the North Carolina Department of Commerce showed the unemployment rate rose from 2.5% in September to 8.8% in October.

North Carolina is offering to buy the homes of Hurricane Helene survivors who qualify for a FEMA-funded special program as one option to move forward on the path to recovery.

Several North Carolina counties opened warming shelters for people without heat access or who were displaced by Hurricane Helene last September. Some are enduring the cold while living in tents as they wait for more aid.

Shawn Hendrix, a Mr. Beast employee, spoke to Top Story about ongoing relief efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. He noted significant cleanup and rebuilding progress but emphasized that those struggling before the storm are now facing even greater challenges.

Hurricane Helene took out critical infrastructure in western North Carolina, specifically water systems that were already under much strain.

December has delivered snow and biting cold, a different type of storm from Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina in late September. Hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed are still living in campers and tents amid the cold temperatures.

Freezing temperatures are typical this time of year, but they are less than welcome in communities still recovering from Helene. Emergency management officials across the mountains have plans in place to ensure residents have a warm place to stay.