In recent years, North Carolina communities have weathered one storm after another, with Hurricane Helene being no exception. Hurricane Helene followed a once-in-a-thousand-year rain event in western North Carolina, which as a result caused widespread devastation and $53 billion of damage to the state alone. The impacts also stretched far beyond North Carolina, affecting communities throughout the southeastern U.S., demonstrating the growing need to prepare for increasingly severe storms.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, FEMA introduced a $2.1 billion relief package to support families and businesses affected. These relief efforts offered some essential support in the aftermath but only scratched the surface of what is needed to truly help communities.
Moving forward, we must work to safeguard communities by investing in long-term resilience and preparedness. 
What we have learned from the past
By examining North Carolina’s past storms like Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Matthew, we can gain valuable insights into resilience and recovery. Hurricane Florence’s record-breaking rainfall in 2018 drove home the importance of proactive measures and better coordination between government agencies. These hurricanes allowed the state to launch initiatives like the North Carolina Land and Water Fund’s Flood Risk Reduction Grant Program, which funds projects to mitigate future flooding.
By further analyzing flood risks and vulnerabilities, we can develop science-based frameworks for reducing future damages. These lessons will help North Carolina refine its approach to disaster preparedness and strengthen its ability to bounce back from storms.
Advancing flood mitigation efforts and innovative practices
Predictive models and advanced analytics can help identify high-risk areas, while natural infrastructure solutions could provide effective and sustainable flood mitigation.
EDF’s research underscores the importance of integrating natural infrastructure into resilience planning. These solutions align economic, environmental and community goals, making them a cornerstone of any effective flood mitigation strategy.
Studies like the North Carolina Collaboratory’s 2021 Flood Resilience Study further reinforce the importance of science in shaping resilience strategies. Funded by the state legislature in 2019, this comprehensive study evaluated floodplain management policies, the role of natural systems in mitigating floods and the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure. It also analyzed the financial risks of major weather events and their public health impacts. By addressing these factors, the study provides a roadmap for implementing data-driven solutions to build resilience.
The role of resilience funding and government coordination
Every dollar spent on preparedness can save up to six dollars in recovery costs, making resilience funding not only practical but essential. Programs like the Flood Risk Reduction Grant Program and the Flood Resiliency Blueprint exemplify how targeted funding can address vulnerabilities and protect communities ahead of storms.
The Flood Resiliency Blueprint is one of North Carolina’s most ambitious initiatives that leverages data and science to support decision making by state and local leaders. When implemented, it will provide strategies for identifying flood risks and implementing effective mitigation measures. The Blueprint emphasizes collaboration, bringing together state agencies, local governments and community organizations to ensure that resources are used where they are most needed. This emerging decision support tool will allow communities and local governments to understand the trade-offs of different solutions, including nature-based solutions.
Programs like the Flood Risk Reduction Grant Program, which has received $15 million in funding, also play a crucial role. By prioritizing nature-based infrastructure projects that reduce flood risks while delivering additional ecosystem services, this program ensures resilience efforts benefit both communities and the environment. It also gives special consideration to economically distressed areas, advancing equitable outcomes in disaster mitigation.
In addition, the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act provides a critical tool for resilience efforts. Administered by FEMA, this program offers capitalization grants that allow states, Tribes and territories to establish revolving loan funds for hazard mitigation. These low-interest loans enable local governments to reduce vulnerabilities to natural disasters and foster community resilience. The STORM Act complements existing funding sources, such as FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants, by empowering jurisdictions to implement innovative solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Leaders must continue supporting, investing and building capacity for programs like these to keep communities prepared ahead of storms.
A path forward for North Carolina communities
North Carolina’s communities are resilient in the face of new challenges. Hurricane Helene serves as a powerful reminder that while progress has been made, much work lies ahead. By prioritizing resilience funding, government coordination and advancing flood mitigation efforts, we can build a stronger, more adaptable North Carolina.
At EDF, we believe that resilience is a shared responsibility among state leaders, local governments; and communities to continue advancing critical initiatives, like the Flood Resiliency Blueprint, and ensure preparedness for future storms.
The road to resilience is long, but with the right investments and partnerships, a more sustainable future is within reach.