Current:Home > Contact-usBiltmore Estate remains closed to recover from Hurricane Helene damage-InfoLens
Biltmore Estate remains closed to recover from Hurricane Helene damage
View Date:2024-12-23 15:53:11
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina will remain closed for at least two more weeks due to the damage caused by Hurricane Helene.
In a statement shared Tuesday on X, the museum in Buncombe County wrote that it will remain closed until Oct. 15 as it continues to "assess how safely (it) will open."
"We are heartbroken for our friends, family and neighbors across this region who have been devastated by this storm," the statement continued. "To our first responders, utility workers and community volunteers: we are eternally grateful for your endless care and courage. We will all work together to recover from this unprecedented disaster."
The Biltmore Estate's statement also explained that its extended closure was due to "significant flooding, impassable roads and widespread water and power outages."
The Biltmore Estate initially planned to reopen on Thursday
According to a statement shared on X Monday afternoon, the museum initially believed it would reopen on Thursday.
"The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience as we assess the damage of last weekend's storm and work to repair communication channels," the statement from Monday read.
The Biltmore home is located about 2,000 feet east of the French Broad River, which flooded to a record of over 24 feet in some areas affected by Helene. The river is roughly 1,985 feet about sea level, while the estate was built at about 2,200 feet.
Helene's strong winds and heavy rainfall damaged homes, businesses, roadways and families as more than 150 people have died due to the hurricane.
Floodwaters have devastated the Biltmore Village, which is where the estate's employees are housed. The Swannanoa River, just north of the village, crested at 26.1 feet, nearly 6 feet above the previous record (20.7 feet), according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The area is still heavily damaged and inaccessible. Interstate 40 is impassable in multiple locations and Interstate 26 is closed at the Tennessee state line, DriveNC.gov said. Non-emergency travel has been prohibited.
'We are deeply grateful'
The Biltmore Estate has advised its employees to check in with their team members and families to ensure their safety, and to remain away from the museum unless told otherwise by their supervisors.
Daytime and overnight guests can request refunds, but it may take them longer than usual to get their money back as the estate works to repair its "internal network and communication systems."
"Your outpouring of concern for our region has been heartwarming and we are deeply grateful to our guests who want to help our community during this challenging time," the estate wrote on its website.
Contributing: Jacob Wilt/ USA TODAY NETWORK
veryGood! (3)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Good Try (Freestyle)
- Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn ends retirement, plans to return to competition
- Texas man accused of supporting ISIS charged in federal court
- Ex-Phoenix Suns employee files racial discrimination, retaliation lawsuit against the team
- Auburn surges, while Kansas remains No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll
- How Alex Jones’ Infowars wound up in the hands of The Onion
- Hurricane-stricken Tampa Bay Rays to play 2025 season at Yankees’ spring training field in Tampa
- Only 8 monkeys remain free after more than a week outside a South Carolina compound
- Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and More React to Craig Melvin Replacing Hoda Kotb as Co-Anchor
- Halle Berry surprises crowd in iconic 2002 Elie Saab gown from her historic Oscar win
Ranking
- These Yellowstone Gift Guide Picks Will Make You Feel Like You’re on the Dutton Ranch
- Businesses at struggling corner where George Floyd was killed sue Minneapolis
- Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and More React to Craig Melvin Replacing Hoda Kotb as Co-Anchor
- Wisconsin agency issues first round of permits for Enbridge Line 5 reroute around reservation
- Moana 2 Star Dwayne Johnson Shares the Empowering Message Film Sends to Young Girls
- The Best Gifts for Men – That He Won’t Want to Return
- Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow's Son Moses Martin Reveals His Singing Talents at Concert
- What Republicans are saying about Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general
Recommendation
-
Investigation into Chinese hacking reveals ‘broad and significant’ spying effort, FBI says
-
Jake Paul's only loss led him to retool the team preparing him to face Mike Tyson
-
Today Reveals Hoda Kotb's Replacement
-
Eva Longoria Shares She and Her Family Have Moved Out of the United States
-
Judge hears case over Montana rule blocking trans residents from changing sex on birth certificate
-
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign chancellor to step down at end of academic year
-
Satire publication The Onion buys Alex Jones’ Infowars at auction with help from Sandy Hook families
-
Mother of Man Found Dead in Tanning Bed at Planet Fitness Gym Details His Final Moments