Biltmore flooding: Estate closed, Biltmore Village owners return to survey damage

Devastated business owners returned to Biltmore Village on Monday to assess the extensive damage to their properties after Helene dropped more than 14 inches of rain in Asheville.

Destruction in Biltmore Village, a popular tourist attraction just outside the famous Biltmore mansion, is widespread.

The flooding was largely from the Swannanoa River, which has since receded, but not before water reached above the hoods of cars and trucks,

Some residents said the water in Biltmore Village rose as high as 15 feet, covering signs and windows on buildings. Owners laid out sandbags and covered businesses in plastic in preparation for the storm, but the flooding took over.

Randal Gary, who has worked at the New Morning Gallery in Biltmore Village for 25 years, was making slow progress digging his shop out of the mud on Monday.

“I’m just trying to get some things done,” he said. “You know, I’m a little bit in shock, maybe like most people.”

New Morning Gallery has been in Asheville for 50 years. The damage inside the store is devastating.

“I don’t even know what to say,” Gary said. “It’s bad.”

Gary’s gallery suffered the same fate as so many other buildings throughout Biltmore Village.

As those who live in the Asheville area begin cleanup and recovery, the search for basic needs continues. There is little food or water available, and power won’t be restored for days or even weeks.

“It’s been crazy,” one resident said. “Supplies are scarce … it’s been pretty emotional. The inability to contact your loved ones … and the uncertainty of not knowing when we’ll be able to get out or just, you know, be able to have the option to go anywhere to contact anyone has been really tough.”

People across western North Carolina are trying desperately to find a gas station that isn’t out of fuel.

Residents who spoke to WRAL News on Monday said the severity of the situation and the destruction cannot be overstated. They were hopeful that supplies, food and help is on its way.

Food distribution is expected to begin in Buncombe County on Monday.

“It’s terrible. I don’t know if I will ever see anything like this again,” said Spencer Tate Andrews, who came down to the area to witness the flooding. “Glad I got to see it, but at the same time, it’s terrible and its going to affect a lot of people and businesses.”

The Biltmore estate itself will remain closed through at least Thursday.

On Monday, Biltmore officials wrote, “This is a heartbreaking situation for our community and region. 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.”

WRAL News has a list of how to help residents in western North Carolina.

By calling 211 or visiting nc211.org, families and individuals can obtain free and confidential information on health and human services and resources in their community. People trying to connect with family members can call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state. People can also call those numbers to report missing loved ones.