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Map shows parts of western NC open for tourism

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Map shows parts of western NC open for tourism


A new map shows which portions of western North Carolina are open for tourists.

The map by Felt assigns the following categories to counties:

  • Green: Welcoming visitors
  • Yellow: Check website/call ahead for limitations
  • Red: Closed to visitors with exceptions noted in green or yellow

Helene devastated the region in late September with deadly flooding and mudslides. Areas were without power and water for weeks, and some people are still missing. WRAL News has a guide to how to help.

Last week, Gov. Roy Cooper declared non-essential travel is allowed again in the western portion of the state, where hundreds of roads remain closed. According to Visit NC, most highways in western North Carolina are open, but many remain closed, including both Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 at the Tennessee state line, impacting travel between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Drivers should consult DriveNC.gov for information on open roads and safe routes to reach their destination.

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One of the hardest hit areas was Asheville, in Buncombe County. According to Asheville’s tourism director, the area is reopening for tourists in stages.

As of Oct. 19, Visit NC’s travel update page, using state transportation and safety data, designated Buncombe County, Asheville and Black Mountain as safe to visit, with a recommendation to for visitors to “plan ahead.” Tourism experts encourage visitors to check with their lodging provider and any businesses they wish to visit to confirm their availability.

Weaverville was cleared for safe travel, while Swannanoa remains under a “do not travel” advisory as a high impact area.

North Carolina. Most highways in Western North Carolina are open with many destinations ready and welcoming visitors for fall travel. However, some roads remain closed or have restrictions. Of particular note are closures on both I-40 and I-26 at the Tennessee state line impacting travel between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Grandfather Mountain has reopened, and Biltmore plans to reopen on Nov. 2.

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Many people flock to western North Carolina in the fall to see fall color.

ExploreFall, a website previously featured on WRAL, shows where leaf peepers can find the most vibrant color.

WYFF News recently shared video on their Facebook page, writing “Helene tried to scrape the beauty off leaf season in the Carolina mountains. This is proof the storm did not succeed.”



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North Carolina

Ohio State’s Michael Adedokun, North Carolina’s Kate Faasse win Hermann Trophy

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Ohio State’s Michael Adedokun, North Carolina’s Kate Faasse win Hermann Trophy


Associated Press

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Ohio State senior midfielder Michael Adedokun and North Carolina junior forward Kate Faasse were voted Hermann Trophy winners Friday as the top college soccer players in the United States.

Adedokun had 11 goals and 11 assists as Ohio State reached the College Cup semifinals. He was selected by Montreal with the 13th overall pick in last month’s Major League Soccer draft.

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Faasse scored an NCAA-leading 20 goals, including four in the NCAA tournament as the Tar Heels won their 23rd title.

Voting by coaches is conducted annually by the Missouri Athletic Club.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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Wilmington once again tops study of top destinations for movers in USA

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Wilmington once again tops study of top destinations for movers in USA


WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – For the second time in three years, Wilmington, North Carolina topped metro areas across the country when it came to where Americans moved in 2024, according to a study by United Van Lines.

The company released its 48th Annual Movers Study this week, with Wilmington topping the list of Metropolitan Statistical Areas with an 83% of moves being inbound and 17% outbound, ahead of Springfield (Missouri), Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) and Flagstaff (Arizona). You can see the list of highest-ranking cities by clicking here to visit the United Van Lines website. Wilmington also topped the same study in 2022.

When it comes to the most popular states seeing more inbound moves, the UVL study found “..West Virginia was the state with the highest percentage of inbound migration (66%), among states experiencing more than 250 moves* with United Van Lines”, according to a news release. North Carolina came in at #5 for most inbound moves. For the seventh year in a row, the study lists New Jersey with having more residents than any other state moving out, at 67% outbound.

According to the news release, the 2024 study “…shows for the first time in decades, the primary driver for moving interstate was a desire to be closer to family (28%)” than other reasons.

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Gov. Josh Stein signs 5 executive orders for faster relief efforts in Western N.C.

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Gov. Josh Stein signs 5 executive orders for faster relief efforts in Western N.C.


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WECT) – During his second day in office, Former North Carolina Attorney General and now our state’s governor, Josh Stein signed five Hurricane Helene recovery executive orders.

Stein says each order will address issues that need immediate attention.

This comes as more than 12,000 people are without safe housing, and an estimated 8,000 private roads and bridges need to be repaired or replaced in Western North Carolina.

“We want every dollar dedicated to recovery whether federal, state, local or charitable to be spent as efficiently, impactfully and quickly as possible,” said Stein. “Folks have to have a safe place to live.”

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The first executive order will increase the supply of temporary housing.

The second order will enable the state to repair private roads and bridges faster. Stein says that’s necessary for people and especially emergency vehicles to access homes.

The third order creates the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina, or GROW NC. Which is now a division within the office of the Governor for the next year.

The fourth order establishes a governor’s advisory committee to advise GROW NC to meet the community’s needs quickly and cost-effectively.

The final order authorizes 16 additional hours of leave for state employees to volunteer for storm-related efforts.

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“The needs facing this region are vast and require immediate attention,” said Stein. “I pledge to do everything in my power as governor to accelerate recovery and the rebuilding of a more resilient region for the long haul.”

Stein says the total losses are estimated to be close to $60 billion dollars. All of the orders are effective immediately.



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