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.
Horstman said I-40 is a main corridor for truck drivers crossing the country and making deliveries.
“With the gorge, where I-40 meets Tennessee being washed out, I’m just hoping they can fix it within a year,” he said.
Joey Hopper, traveling from Texas, said he noticed the large electronic signs that advised no travel in western North Carolina on Friday. For two nights, he remained in Knoxville, unable to travel, while trying to figure a way to get to his destination.
“The weather is what it is, but you get too many of these, one right after the other,” Hopper said. “You can bring commerce to a standstill real quick.”
“I had to go 70 miles out of the way to come around,” he continued. “It also held me up from getting my next load.”
Tom Proctor, delivering meat products, said he had a similar experience while driving from Oklahoma City.
After noticing the same signs warning on the interstate, Proctor said, “I finally had a chance to come across 85 coming back to Charlotte from Atlanta. Traffic was just a mess because I think the people who evacuated are now seeing their opportunity to come back home. It’s a minor inconvenience just for this one trip, but I imagine it’s got to be really rough on local people and drivers where this is their area. This storm was just a mess.”
The US Postal Service said they are also continuing to monitor the impacts from Hurricane Helene. In a statement, USPS said:
“The safety of our customers and employees is the Postal Service’s top priority in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. At this time, we are still assessing damage and impacts. We are dispatching recovery teams to affected areas. The status of operations is being continually evaluated and adjustments made to ensure safe and swift restoration of delivery and retail services in locations as soon as possible. Efforts will continue as long as needed until full services are restored.”
Hopper said he is also hopeful that drivers will be safe while maneuvering and rerouting to their destinations.
“Take it easy,” Hopper said. “You’ll get there. You don’t have to get in a hurry.”
RELATED: Local pilots fly donations from Moore County to areas devastated by Hurricane Helene
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