Hurricane Helene produced widespread and damaging landslides. The USGS is mapping landslides to support our partners. This page provides information about the extent and severity of landslide impacts. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on Thursday, September 26th, 2024. The hurricane continued across the southern Appalachian Mountains producing record rainfall.
This landslide event page serves as an event summary to communicate timely science information to our partners. This information includes what is currently understood about the event and ongoing activities of the USGS and partner agencies and maybe be subject to change.
| Disclaimer: This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information. |
Our thoughts go out to the millions of people affected by Hurricane Helene and the significant flooding and landslide activity that continues to impact the region.
How to stay safe:
- Landslides can still happen for the next few days to weeks, especially with more rain. Listen to National Weather Service weather alerts. Follow emergency messages from local authorities.
- Pay attention to the landslide warning signs. Watch for new cracks forming on the ground, leaning trees, new springs, falling rocks, or unusual sounds - like a loud rumble. Leave the area immediately if you notice any of these signs.
- Do not try to clear landslides that are blocking roads without consulting a professional geologist or engineer. Removing material may remobilize the landslide, bringing more material down the hillside. Downed power lines or other hazards may be hidden under the landslide deposit.
- If a landslide impacted your home, or you see signs of a landslide, contact your local emergency services. Local officials are best able to assess potential danger. If the danger is not immediate, seek guidance from a qualified professional engineering geologist or civil engineer.
- Learn more about landslide preparedness.
Landslide Safety
Landslide Preparedness
USGS Landslide Dashboard
USGS Landslide Response Data
What we are doing
The USGS activated to support the North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS) and Tennessee Geological Survey (TGS) on September 28, 2024. The USGS Landslide Assessments, Situational Awareness, and Event Response Research (LASER) team is providing technical assistance through remote and field reconnaissance, including mapping landslides on the Hurricane Helene 2024 Landslide Observations. The focus is providing situational awareness for emergency response and recovery.
Key landslide observations after Hurricane Helene (as of 11/6/24):
- 1,973 landslides have been identified to date. Landslides are clustered spatially, separated by relatively landslide-free areas.
- We have recorded 260 landslides of major concern, which appear to have damaged multiple homes or pose an imminent threat to residents.
- 1,057 landslides are “flagged” for impacting rivers, roads, and structures.
- Areas heavily impacted by landslides include:
- Lake Lure / Bat Cave / Chimney Rock
- Swannanoa / Black Mountain
- Hilly areas north & east of Asheville (Linville Gorge and Table Rock)
- Blue Ridge Parkway up to Blowing Rock
- Additional landslides may be hidden under the tree canopy
Regional Background
Hurricanes and heavy rain are known to trigger landslides in the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States.2 These hazards can block and damage roads, destroy homes, disrupt water supplies, and, in the worst cases, cause injury, and take lives.
The first well-documented landslides following a storm in the southern Appalachians happened in 1916 when 22 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in western North Carolina. Hurricanes, other less intense storms, and even periods of above-average precipitation have triggered hundreds to thousands of landslides in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.3,4 Notable storms include Hurricanes Camille (1969), Agnes (1972), Juan (1985), Opal (1995), Isabel (2003), Frances and Ivan (2004), Cindy (2005), and Ernesto (2006). Hurricane Camille in 1969 was the deadliest, causing 150 deaths, and triggering thousands of landslides, in Nelson County, Virginia, in just eight hours.2
Debris flows are among the most destructive and dangerous types of landslides. They are common in the southern Appalachians, occurring during the hurricanes mentioned above, and during other, less intense rainfall events. Mixtures of rocks, water, mud, and other debris, these flows can move very quickly, over long distances, often destroying everything in their path with little or no indication of an approaching landslide.
Knowing exactly when and where landslides occur is challenging. Many factors influence landslide occurrence such as geology, slope, rainfall, rock type, orientation, and overall rock condition. Past landslide data can help in predictions of future landsliding. Much of what we know about past landslides comes from local agencies, including many state geological surveys, who map these features following storm events. The USGS also compiles data to create future hazard maps. You can find these maps online here.
Contributors to this page include Marísa Macías, Corina Cerovski-Darriau, Eric Bilderback, Lauren Schaefer, Lauren Palermo, Sonia Ellison, Jaime Kostelnik, Jocelyn West, Kate Allstadt, Paula Burgi, Robert Schmitt, Kelli Baxstrom, Emily Bedinger, Ben Mirus, Sabrina Martinez, Francis Rengers, Mason Einbund, and Sara McBride.
More Information
Learn more about federal response and FEMA guidance for Hurricane Helene.
Learn more about landslides.
Learn more about landslide safety.
Learn more about landslide preparedness.
Learn more about the National Landslide Susceptibility Map.
Learn more about the Landslide Hazards Program.
Learn more about USGS Landslide Response.
Learn more about landslides in North Carolina.
References
1 Belair, G.M., Jones, J.M., Martinez, S.N., Mirus, B.B., and Wood, N.J., 2024, Slope-Relief Threshold Landslide Susceptibility Models for the United States and Puerto Rico: U.S. Geological Survey data release, doi: https://doi.org/10.5066/P13KAGU3.
2 Wieczorek, G.F., Eaton, L.S., Morgan, B.A., Wooten, R.M., and Morrissey, M., 2009, An examination of selected historical rainfall-induced debris-flow events within the central and southern Appalachian Mountains of the Eastern United States: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009–1155, 25 p., https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1155/
3 Wooten, R. M., Witt, A.C., Miniat, C.F., Hales, T.C., Aldred, J.L, 2016. Frequency and magnitude of selected historical landslide events in the southern Appalachian Highlands of North Carolina and Virginia: relationships to rainfall, geological and ecohydrological controls, and effects: Natural Disturbances and Historic Range of Variation: Type, Frequency, Severity, and Post-Disturbance Structure in Central Hardwood Forests USA, v. 32, p. 203-262, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21527-3_9.
4Jesse Hill, Richard Wooten, Bart Cattanach, Jennifer Bauer, Nick Bozdog, Tommy Douglas, Sierra Isard, Daria Khashchevskaya, David Korte, Jody Kuhne, Lewis Owen, Philip Prince, Corey Scheip, Cheryl Waters-Tormey, and Karl Wegmann, 2024. Big slow-movers, debris slides and flows, and mega-boulders of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, western North Carolina, USA, Geology and Geologic Hazards of the Blue Ridge: Field Excursions for the 2024 GSA Southeastern Section Meeting, Asheville, North Carolina, USA, doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/2024.0067(022).
Landslide Assessments, Situational Awareness, and Event Response Research (LASER)
USGS landslide event team activated in wake of Hurricane Helene
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In response to Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects across multiple states, the U. S. Geological Survey activated its landslide event team and is providing “timely best science” to inform local authorities as they prioritize resources.
Hurricane Helene produced widespread and damaging landslides. The USGS is mapping landslides to support our partners. This page provides information about the extent and severity of landslide impacts. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm on Thursday, September 26th, 2024. The hurricane continued across the southern Appalachian Mountains producing record rainfall.
This landslide event page serves as an event summary to communicate timely science information to our partners. This information includes what is currently understood about the event and ongoing activities of the USGS and partner agencies and maybe be subject to change.
| Disclaimer: This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information. |
Our thoughts go out to the millions of people affected by Hurricane Helene and the significant flooding and landslide activity that continues to impact the region.
How to stay safe:
- Landslides can still happen for the next few days to weeks, especially with more rain. Listen to National Weather Service weather alerts. Follow emergency messages from local authorities.
- Pay attention to the landslide warning signs. Watch for new cracks forming on the ground, leaning trees, new springs, falling rocks, or unusual sounds - like a loud rumble. Leave the area immediately if you notice any of these signs.
- Do not try to clear landslides that are blocking roads without consulting a professional geologist or engineer. Removing material may remobilize the landslide, bringing more material down the hillside. Downed power lines or other hazards may be hidden under the landslide deposit.
- If a landslide impacted your home, or you see signs of a landslide, contact your local emergency services. Local officials are best able to assess potential danger. If the danger is not immediate, seek guidance from a qualified professional engineering geologist or civil engineer.
- Learn more about landslide preparedness.
Landslide Safety
Landslide Preparedness
USGS Landslide Dashboard
USGS Landslide Response Data
What we are doing
The USGS activated to support the North Carolina Geological Survey (NCGS) and Tennessee Geological Survey (TGS) on September 28, 2024. The USGS Landslide Assessments, Situational Awareness, and Event Response Research (LASER) team is providing technical assistance through remote and field reconnaissance, including mapping landslides on the Hurricane Helene 2024 Landslide Observations. The focus is providing situational awareness for emergency response and recovery.
Key landslide observations after Hurricane Helene (as of 11/6/24):
- 1,973 landslides have been identified to date. Landslides are clustered spatially, separated by relatively landslide-free areas.
- We have recorded 260 landslides of major concern, which appear to have damaged multiple homes or pose an imminent threat to residents.
- 1,057 landslides are “flagged” for impacting rivers, roads, and structures.
- Areas heavily impacted by landslides include:
- Lake Lure / Bat Cave / Chimney Rock
- Swannanoa / Black Mountain
- Hilly areas north & east of Asheville (Linville Gorge and Table Rock)
- Blue Ridge Parkway up to Blowing Rock
- Additional landslides may be hidden under the tree canopy
Regional Background
Hurricanes and heavy rain are known to trigger landslides in the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States.2 These hazards can block and damage roads, destroy homes, disrupt water supplies, and, in the worst cases, cause injury, and take lives.
The first well-documented landslides following a storm in the southern Appalachians happened in 1916 when 22 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in western North Carolina. Hurricanes, other less intense storms, and even periods of above-average precipitation have triggered hundreds to thousands of landslides in North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.3,4 Notable storms include Hurricanes Camille (1969), Agnes (1972), Juan (1985), Opal (1995), Isabel (2003), Frances and Ivan (2004), Cindy (2005), and Ernesto (2006). Hurricane Camille in 1969 was the deadliest, causing 150 deaths, and triggering thousands of landslides, in Nelson County, Virginia, in just eight hours.2
Debris flows are among the most destructive and dangerous types of landslides. They are common in the southern Appalachians, occurring during the hurricanes mentioned above, and during other, less intense rainfall events. Mixtures of rocks, water, mud, and other debris, these flows can move very quickly, over long distances, often destroying everything in their path with little or no indication of an approaching landslide.
Knowing exactly when and where landslides occur is challenging. Many factors influence landslide occurrence such as geology, slope, rainfall, rock type, orientation, and overall rock condition. Past landslide data can help in predictions of future landsliding. Much of what we know about past landslides comes from local agencies, including many state geological surveys, who map these features following storm events. The USGS also compiles data to create future hazard maps. You can find these maps online here.
Contributors to this page include Marísa Macías, Corina Cerovski-Darriau, Eric Bilderback, Lauren Schaefer, Lauren Palermo, Sonia Ellison, Jaime Kostelnik, Jocelyn West, Kate Allstadt, Paula Burgi, Robert Schmitt, Kelli Baxstrom, Emily Bedinger, Ben Mirus, Sabrina Martinez, Francis Rengers, Mason Einbund, and Sara McBride.
More Information
Learn more about federal response and FEMA guidance for Hurricane Helene.
Learn more about landslides.
Learn more about landslide safety.
Learn more about landslide preparedness.
Learn more about the National Landslide Susceptibility Map.
Learn more about the Landslide Hazards Program.
Learn more about USGS Landslide Response.
Learn more about landslides in North Carolina.
References
1 Belair, G.M., Jones, J.M., Martinez, S.N., Mirus, B.B., and Wood, N.J., 2024, Slope-Relief Threshold Landslide Susceptibility Models for the United States and Puerto Rico: U.S. Geological Survey data release, doi: https://doi.org/10.5066/P13KAGU3.
2 Wieczorek, G.F., Eaton, L.S., Morgan, B.A., Wooten, R.M., and Morrissey, M., 2009, An examination of selected historical rainfall-induced debris-flow events within the central and southern Appalachian Mountains of the Eastern United States: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2009–1155, 25 p., https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2009/1155/
3 Wooten, R. M., Witt, A.C., Miniat, C.F., Hales, T.C., Aldred, J.L, 2016. Frequency and magnitude of selected historical landslide events in the southern Appalachian Highlands of North Carolina and Virginia: relationships to rainfall, geological and ecohydrological controls, and effects: Natural Disturbances and Historic Range of Variation: Type, Frequency, Severity, and Post-Disturbance Structure in Central Hardwood Forests USA, v. 32, p. 203-262, doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21527-3_9.
4Jesse Hill, Richard Wooten, Bart Cattanach, Jennifer Bauer, Nick Bozdog, Tommy Douglas, Sierra Isard, Daria Khashchevskaya, David Korte, Jody Kuhne, Lewis Owen, Philip Prince, Corey Scheip, Cheryl Waters-Tormey, and Karl Wegmann, 2024. Big slow-movers, debris slides and flows, and mega-boulders of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, western North Carolina, USA, Geology and Geologic Hazards of the Blue Ridge: Field Excursions for the 2024 GSA Southeastern Section Meeting, Asheville, North Carolina, USA, doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/2024.0067(022).
Landslide Assessments, Situational Awareness, and Event Response Research (LASER)
USGS landslide event team activated in wake of Hurricane Helene
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – In response to Hurricane Helene’s devastating effects across multiple states, the U. S. Geological Survey activated its landslide event team and is providing “timely best science” to inform local authorities as they prioritize resources.