Western North Carolina cut off by 'historic' flooding in Helene aftermath

Sept. 28 (UPI) -- Road closures caused by surging rivers, disrupted Internet and downed cellphone connections in the wake of Hurricane Helene on Saturday isolated western North Carolina in what officials are calling a "catastrophic natural disaster."

Communications, includes landlines, cellphone signals and internet access, remained completely down in hard-hit Buncombe County, located about 120 miles southeast of Knoxville, Tenn., according to local officials.

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