Dangerously Cold Temperatures Expected Early Next Week

An arctic air mass moves into the area Sunday night and remains in place through Wednesday. Temperatures will be 15 to 20 degrees below normal Monday through Wednesday and wind chills may be so low as to be dangerous for some individuals. The potential for any wintry precipitation during this time is highly uncertain.

Disaster Energy and Rental Assistance Programs Now Available for Hurricane Helene Survivors

North Carolina has launched Disaster Energy Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance programs to support households impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eligible residents can apply for help with utility bills, furnace repairs, heating costs, and one-time rent payments to prevent eviction. To qualify, households must meet income guidelines and demonstrate disaster-related losses. Applications are accepted in person at the McDowell County DSS (145 E. Court St, Marion) or by phone at (828) 652-3355. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with direct payments made to landlords for rental assistance.

USDA Recovery Programs Offer Vital Support for Farmers Affected by Hurricane Helene

Farmers affected by Hurricane Helene can access several recovery resources through the USDA. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish program offers financial help for losses like feed, hay, and grazing, with higher payments for socially disadvantaged, beginning, or veteran producers. The Tree Assistance Program aids orchardists, nurseries, and vineyards in replanting or rehabilitating damaged trees, shrubs, and vines used for commercial crops. Additional programs assist with debris removal, land rehabilitation, and losses to animals, crops, and trees. Applications are accepted at local USDA Service Centers, and resources are available on Farmers.gov.

Debris Removal Efforts Continue in McDowell County

As of January 17, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has reported the collection of 41,778.25 cubic yards of debris and 23,780.71 tons of soil as part of ongoing debris removal efforts in McDowell County. As this situation is constantly evolving, please check our storm debris management updates at https://www.mcdowellgov.com/debris Additional passes for ROW debris pickup will continue, and residents are encouraged to place debris within 10 feet of the public right of way. Those needing debris removed from private property or private drives can apply for assistance at www.mcdowellgov.com/helene.

McDowell County property owners (in unincorporated areas and cities) impacted by

Hurricane Helene have three options for debris removal:

1. Public Right of Way (ROW) Debris Pickup
   • Debris placed near the public ROW (next to the roadway without obstructing traffic, garbage cans, mailboxes, or utility structures) will be picked up at no cost.
   • Multiple rounds of debris pickup are ongoing across the county, so residents do not need to move all debris to the ROW immediately.
2. Private ROW Debris Pickup for Private Roads, Subdivisions, and Communities
   • Property owners can apply for Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) at mcdowellgov.com/helene
   • Residents must move debris to within 10 feet of the ROW on private roads to qualify for removal under the FEMA-approved Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) Program.
   • Only one pass will be made in private areas once scheduled with property owner, so ensure all debris is properly placed for collection.
3. Private Property Debris Removal (PPDR) and Demolition
   • Property owners unable to move debris to the ROW and who lack sufficient debris removal insurance may apply for FREE debris removal.
   • The program includes removal of hazardous limbs, trees, and mixed debris, as well as the demolition of eligible unsafe structures.

How to Apply for PPDR and Process Overview

1. Visit mcdowellgov.com/helene to submit a Right of Entry (ROE) Agreement:
   • For HOAs, a representative may complete the ROE as the authorized agent.
   • An HOA acknowledgment letter is required (a template is available).
   • Individual property owners can apply if unable to move debris to the ROW.
2. Emergency Management Contact:
   • A McDowell County Emergency Management representative will reach out within 72 hours to discuss your request.
3. Approval Submission:
   • Your application will be submitted to FEMA and USACE for approval.
4. Debris Pickup Scheduling:
   • If approved, USACE will schedule contractors to remove debris.
5. Notification of Timeline:
   • Emergency Management will provide a timeline and further instructions.

What is a Right of Entry (ROE)?

A Right of Entry (ROE) form is required to allow contractors to access private property for

debris removal or demolition. This voluntary document is legally binding and can be

withdrawn anytime before work begins.

For More Information visit mcdowellgov.com/helene to apply for PPDR and find detailed

debris removal guidance. For further assistance, contact McDowell County Emergency

Services at 828-652-3241.

Address/Location
McDowell County Emergency Management
129 Barnes Rd
Marion, NC 28752

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-652-3241
[email protected]
www.mcdowellem.com