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McDowell County Emergency Operations Center
Hurricane Helene Recovery Update for 12/30/2024

Weekend rain leads to minor flooding at Lake James:
A Flood Advisory remains in effect for Lake James until 11:00 p.m. Monday night.  At 3:00 PM EST, the lake level of Lake James was 101.1 feet. Minor flooding is ongoing in locations around Lake James. Duke Energy predicts the lake level will crest below 101.5 feet, which is below Flood Stage. Common, nuisance flooding of low-lying areas adjacent to Lake James is underway. Lake James is approaching homes and other structures along Island Circle, Moose Campground Road, and Houseboat Lane. Floodwaters may begin entering Linville
Shores Campground. Lake James may be flooding lake-access
areas with up to 2 feet of inundation. Campgrounds along the
Lake James shoreline may experience floodwater inundation of up to 1 foot.

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. 

Apply for Debris Removal in Private Developments and along Private Roads:
For private communities, subdivisions, and private roads, FEMA has approved a program under the Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) program that includes debris pickup on the Right of Way (ROW). Residents in these areas must ensure their debris is moved to within 10 feet of the ROW on their private roads to be eligible for removal. This program allows private communities, subdivisions, and private roads to apply for ROW debris pickup under the PPDR Program. Please note: There will only be ONE pass for debris removal in these areas, so residents should ensure all debris is properly placed for collection.  To apply visit https://mcdowellgov.com/debris or contact the Hurricane Helene Hotline at 828-652-3241.

Current Debris Removal Stats:
As of 12/30/24 the US Army Corp of Engineers and subcontractors have removed 34,996 cubic yards of debris and 13,841 tons of silt from McDowell County.  Debris removal operations continue seven days a week across McDowell County.

The next storm update will be sent out on January 3, 2025