Hurricane Helene: Essential Steps for Your Upcoming Southeast US Trip

A week has passed since Hurricane Helene struck Florida as a Category 4 storm on Thursday, September 26, beginning her destructive journey through the southeastern United States.

The storm brought unprecedented rainfall to areas along western Florida's Gulf Coast and Panhandle, eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, and parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. The resulting floods wreaked havoc across the region. Currently, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Virginia have been granted "Major Disaster Declaration" status, which enables access to federal disaster aid, as per the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

If you’re planning to travel to these regions, be aware that access may be limited not only in the short term but potentially for a longer duration while recovery and cleanup efforts are underway.

This guide outlines essential actions for travelers heading to the southeastern U.S., covering states such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, western North Carolina, southwest Virginia, and eastern Tennessee.

Is it safe to visit the southeastern United States?

Western North Carolina

The term "catastrophic" is frequently used to describe the impact of the storm in western North Carolina and the surrounding Buncombe County, which includes Asheville and large portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway. As reported by The Washington Post, the Swannanoa River, which flows through Asheville's historic Biltmore Village, reached a staggering record high of 26 feet on Friday afternoon, exceeding the previous major flooding event in 2004 by over 6 feet.

"We do not welcome visitors unless you are directly assisting with the recovery efforts," stated North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to the Asheville Citizen Times on October 3. He was addressing potential tourists considering a trip to the area as it enters what would typically be its peak season for fall foliage.

The region continues to face road closures, outages of power and cellphone services, and shortages of essential supplies like water, food, and fuel.

Visit North Carolina, the state's tourism division, revised its statement on its website on October 4. "Travelers should contact their travel providers to confirm alternative arrangements, including lodging reservations, and follow any advice from local authorities. If you cannot reach your travel provider, consider them unavailable and postpone your trip until you verify they are open and ready for visitors," the statement advises.

While travelers are advised to steer clear of the mountains in western North Carolina, the tourism board noted that several less affected areas are "prepared and welcoming guests, including the counties of Cherokee (Murphy area), Clay (Hayesville area), Graham (Robbinsville area), Macon (Franklin and Highlands area), and Swain (Bryson City area)."

Eastern Tennessee

Eastern Tennessee, particularly Knoxville, has experienced flooding. A section of Interstate 40 near the Tennessee-North Carolina border has been washed away, along with several bridges in the vicinity. As of October 4, the Tennessee Department of Transportation has issued an urgent notice on its website stating, "All roads in Upper East [Tennessee] should be regarded as potentially dangerous, and motorists are advised to avoid these areas."

(It’s worth noting that although Nashville and Memphis both experienced record rainfall, both cities remain accessible and open to tourists.)

Several sections of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are still closed, including Newfound Gap Road/U.S. Route 441, Kuwohi Road (previously Clingmans Dome Road), and the Cataloochee Valley region.

The National Park Service is actively evaluating conditions in the park following the storm. The NPS updated its website on September 30 to indicate: "While some areas of the national park are accessible, outdoor activities are currently discouraged due to limited park staffing and visitor safety issues. However, Sevier County, which includes Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, is fully open to visitors who can reach it via safe routes. We are working diligently to reopen all major park roads as soon as possible."

Florida

As stated on the state's official tourism website, Visit Florida, "Hurricane Helene was an immense storm that affected a wide area of Florida." In response, the site offers a list of resources for checking conditions in specific regions. Notably, the Tampa area, along with Sarasota and its barrier islands, experienced significant damage.

On October 1, the Sarasota government updated its website, stating: "Lido Beach is CLOSED. Beachgoers and 'disaster tourists' are hindering our recovery efforts. There are no restrooms, concessions, lifeguards, or amenities available. There may be visible and hidden dangers on the beach. We urge everyone to stay off the beach and allow city staff to focus on recovery efforts in the area."

Tampa Bay International Airport (TPA), St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), and Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) are all operational, but it’s advisable to contact your hotel directly before traveling.

Georgia

As of October 2, Governor Brian Kemp issued a Major Disaster Declaration for 41 Georgia counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, enabling residents to seek assistance. Nevertheless, airports remain open, and many services are operational. The city of Atlanta lifted its boil-water order on October 1.

As the state continues its recovery efforts post-storm, the tourism board, Explore Georgia, advises travelers to reach out directly to their hotels regarding current reservations.

South Carolina

Following the storm, many areas in western South Carolina, including Greenville, experienced power outages. However, Duke Energy has deployed nearly 2,000 additional personnel and has pledged to restore power to all by October 4, according to the Greenville government's website.

"Due to power outages caused by Hurricane Helene, Welcome Centers in Landrum and North Augusta are closed until further notice. For information on affected state parks, please visit SouthCarolinaParks.com for updates on park closures or if you need to modify or cancel a campsite or cabin reservation," advises the official tourism site of the state, Discover South Carolina.

Southwest Virginia

Towns in southwest Virginia near the Tennessee and North Carolina border, such as Damascus and Galax, faced flooding and various storm-related damages.

"For those planning to travel to or through southwestern Virginia in the upcoming weeks, please note that some areas are experiencing power and phone service outages, and you may encounter closed roads and storm debris," stated the Virginia tourism board's website on October 4. "Travelers should verify their plans to ensure that their intended destinations and attractions can accommodate visitors. It's advisable to map out driving routes in advance using the 511 Virginia resource provided by the Virginia Department of Transportation."

The entire stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed in both Virginia and North Carolina due to storm damage; however, Shenandoah National Park remains open.

When will the Southeast reopen after Hurricane Helene?

All affected states are currently engaged in assessing and addressing damage while also waiting for electricity and water services to be completely restored.

As of October 4, PowerOutage.us reports that slightly over 700,000 individuals in the Southeast are still without power, a significant decrease from nearly 1.8 million on Monday.

Airlines offering flight changes in the Southeast

Alaska Airlines

As of October 4, Alaska Airlines has implemented a flexible travel policy for flights to and from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) for tickets purchased on or before September 23, covering travel dates from September 26 to October 4.

Hawaiian Airlines

Currently, Hawaiian Airlines has no travel advisories in effect.

American Airlines

As of October 3, American Airlines is waiving change fees for flights to, from, or through Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) and Augusta Regional Airport (AGS) for tickets purchased by September 28, applicable for travel between September 29 and October 31.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines currently has no travel advisories in place, but it allows ticket changes without any fees.

Delta Air Lines

Delta is providing rebooking options for many airports and destinations in the southeastern U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, including all flights to Atlanta. However, changes must be completed by October 4.

United Airlines

United Airlines is permitting fee-free changes for flights to and from Asheville through the end of October.

What to do if you have a hotel or Airbnb reservation in the southeast

If you booked directly with a hotel, start by checking its website for any updates. You can also call the main reservations number. Keep in mind that many phone lines may be down, and the hotel may be dealing with the crisis, so reaching out directly should be your last resort.

If your reservation was made through a third-party online travel agency like Expedia or Travelocity, it’s crucial to review the cancellation policy. The OTA retains ownership of your reservation until your travel date, so contacting the hotel directly will likely lead you back to the OTA or travel portal for assistance.

"For affected hotels listed on Expedia and Hotels.com, we are waiving cancellation policies and providing guidance to our travelers with impacted trips," states the company. Vrbo, a part of the Expedia Group, has activated its extenuating circumstances policy, which "ensures that travelers unable to complete their trips due to large-scale disruptions, including natural disasters, receive full refunds for affected reservations, regardless of the cancellation policy." This policy was extended on October 2 to cover bookings in Henderson County, North Carolina; Buncombe County, North Carolina; Transylvania County, North Carolina; and Greenville County, South Carolina, for the period of October 3 to 9.

Travelers who booked through Airbnb will find that the company has enacted its major disruptive events policy for specific areas in the southeast. Eligible guests with reservations will receive full refunds, and both hosts and guests can cancel bookings without penalties, according to the company. (Additionally, Airbnb.org is providing free, temporary housing for individuals displaced by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and Florida.)

What to do if you have a cruise departing from Florida

For those embarking on a cruise, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the cancellation or rebooking policies of the specific cruise line you will be using.

At this time, there are no cruise port closures in the affected regions. However, cruise lines may need to reroute to avoid storm-impacted areas. According to TPG's cruise team, as per the cruise contract you agree to before sailing, cruise lines are not obligated to provide compensation for itinerary changes. If your cruise line alters its route, you will receive a refund for any shore excursions booked through the cruise line for ports that are skipped. (If you booked third-party excursions, check directly with your tour provider.)

For further information on what to do if a cruise is canceled, refer to TPG's guide if you receive a notification regarding your cruise's cancellation.

Will your credit card or travel insurance cover any changes?

If you secured travel insurance before Hurricane Helene was named, you should be able to recover most of your travel costs. Unfortunately, if you bought a policy after the storm was named, it's too late to obtain coverage.

"Insurance is meant to cover the unforeseen," stated Jenna Hummer, public relations director of Squaremouth (a company that compares travel insurance from leading U.S. providers). "Once a situation is classified as 'foreseen' — such as when a tropical storm or hurricane is named — you can no longer obtain coverage for that storm."

"Trip cancellation and interruption insurance can reimburse lost or unused prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if a hurricane prevents you from reaching your destination," explained Stan Sandberg, cofounder of TravelInsurance.com. "Many policies will also cover costs if there is a mandatory evacuation at your destination. Some plans may even offer coverage if a NOAA hurricane warning is issued for your location during your travel dates."

Trip delay insurance will cover unexpected travel expenses such as meals, transportation, internet access, and accommodation if your flight is significantly delayed.

"Keep in mind that your credit card will only cover expenses charged to that card," Hummer noted about trip insurance benefits associated with credit cards. "If you didn't pay for your entire trip using that card or if other members of your group used different payment methods, you may not be fully protected."

TPG offers a detailed guide on credit cards that provide trip cancellation and interruption coverage, including what may be included in cases of natural disasters.

How to assist in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts

If you want to support those affected by the storm, there are various options to consider:

• Operation Airdrop
• Stronger Than Ever
• Embrace All Latino Voices
• American Red Cross
• The Salvation Army
• World Central Kitchen
• Americares
• Save the Children

Key Takeaway

Hurricane Helene caused record-breaking rainfall and destruction across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. The recovery process has just begun and will take considerable time. If you're planning to travel to these areas, it's crucial to verify whether your accommodations are operational and if the locations you intend to visit have essential services like power and water. It might be wise to postpone or cancel your plans for now.

For additional guidance on traveling during hurricane season, consider reading:

• Common travel pitfalls to avoid during hurricane season
• Hurricane season has arrived: TPG's traveler storm guide
• Cruising during hurricane season: Essential information — should you proceed?
• Is travel insurance necessary if your credit card offers protection?
• Is travel insurance a worthwhile investment?
• Flight canceled or delayed? Here's your next step