LINVILLE FALLS, N.C. — You never think you'll be in a situation where the road leading up to your home becomes completely impassible — where you can't get out, and people bringing some much needed supplies can't get to you.
A lot of people in Linville Falls are going through this exact situation right now.
So many areas on US 221, all the way from Linville Falls down through Linville Caverns down to Ashford, have been destroyed in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Now, normally mundane tasks like getting groceries have turned into incredibly dangerous feats.
Linville Falls sits at the junction of Avery, Burke and McDowell counties in western North Carolina, and is among the most popular hiking spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The nearby Linville Gorge, located in Burke County, has been referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East."
WFMY News 2's Amber Lake was in Linville Falls on Wednesday to speak to residents who are actively working to recover from the storm. One woman she spoke to lives at the bottom of a hill where she was told power trucks couldn't get through.
The conditions are so dangerous, she was told the area wouldn't have power for at least four weeks.
Many people who live near other washed out areas of 221 are still stuck. The McCall family, however, jumped into action as soon as the storm passed last week — clearing trees and debris to make sure roads are safe for families trying to get through.
"There's enough people that's trapped between the bridge down the road and right here that need to get out," Trey McCall said. "We made it to Johnson City the other day to get groceries and everything like that, so that's what we are trying to help out some people get out and get the things they need."
The Linville Volunteer Fire Department says it has been checking on people constantly and is working to make sure it can reach areas where no contact has been made. Avery County remains under a curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
There is a filling station for oxygen tanks located at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Linville. Newland First Baptist Chuch is the official supply dropoff for the county.
County officials are asking people to stay off the roads as crews and emergency personnel clear the impacted areas.
If you have been affected by Helene, here's a list of helpful resources.
Looking for ways to support residents of western North Carolina affected by Helene? We've compiled a list of reputable organizations who are already delivering aid, and you can find it here.
If you would like to donate online to the American Red Cross, you can use the following link: WFMY News 2 is supporting the American Red Cross.
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