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McDowell County Emergency Operations Center
Hurricane Helene Update for 12/27/24

Heavy rainfall possible through Sunday:
The National Weather Service is currently forecasting the potential for 3-4 inches of rain with isolated higher amounts near the Blue Ridge Escarpment through Sunday. Residents living in flood prone areas and near recent landslides should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.  Residents should monitor weather forecasts through the weekend and have a way to receive weather warnings.  

FEMA's Disaster Recovery Center Remains Open:
Citizens are urged to file for disaster assistance at the local Disaster Recovery Center located on the lower level of the McDowell County Senior Center at 100 Spaulding Rd. in Marion.  The Disaster Recovery Center is open Monday - Friday from 8AM-6PM and on Saturday from 9AM-2PM.  The DRC is closed on Dec 31st and Jan 1st.

Apply for Personal Property Debris Removal (PPDR):

Owners who cannot take their debris to the right of way (ROW) for pickup and who do not have debris removal insurance or have inadequate debris removal insurance may apply to have qualified disaster debris removed from their property for FREE through the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program. The program also covers the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.

How long will the process take?

The PPDR program requires a very thorough process to determine eligibility. Hurricane Hurricane Helene created a significant amount of debris across McDowell County, impacting both public and private properties. Debris removal will be a lengthy process and we appreciate everyone’s collaboration as we begin to clean up our homes and communities. 

What types of debris and demolition are eligible under the PPDR program?

• Removal of hazardous limbs, trees, or other mixed debris caused by Hurricane Helene that is near a commonly used area or maintained areas of a property.
• Removal of debris impacting a waterway.
• The demolition and removal of a structure that is a health hazard, deemed unfit/unsafe, and may not be recoverable, or is in threat of collapse. This may include concrete slabs.

What is NOT eligible under the program?

• Debris on vacant lots, unimproved property, and unused or unmaintained areas.
• Debris on land used primarily for agricultural purposes, such as land for crops or livestock.

Residents can apply for Personal Property Debris Removal by visiting the following link: https://mcdowellgov.com/debris

Need help filling out the application?  Visit McDowell County Emergency Services Headquarters Monday-Friday from 9AM-4PM and a member of the Emergency Management team will assist you.  Emergency Services Headquarters is located at 129 Barnes Rd. in Marion just off US 221 South.  For more information contact the Hurricane Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241.