ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Days after Helene swept through western North Carolina, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer cautioned that those in the county waiting for the water system to return online must prepare for the long term. "And I’m not talking about days ...

Residents describe how the storm "destroyed everything in its path" and wiped out entire communities in the state.

Helene’s death count in North Carolina is by no means final. But Lau was one of dozens known to have been killed after the hurricane’s powerful remnants reached Western North Carolina, with more fatal tragedies yet to be reported or even discovered.

Hurricane Helene ravaged western North Carolina over the weekend, leaving behind a trail of death and devastation.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper predicted the toll would rise as rescuers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads and widespread flooding.

Drone footage shows how Helene destroyed homes and submerged roads in Asheville, North Carolina while over 600 people remain missing.

The disaster in Asheville, a mountain town 300 miles from the coast, was unexpected for many, leaving residents without power, cell service, or water as the death toll rises.