Hurricane Helene Updates
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the City of Hickory will update this page with critical news and information. For the latest City of Hickory updates, continue to check this page as well as the City’s Facebook page, City of Hickory, NC – Government, and the City Twitter feed, @CityofHickory.
IMPORTANT HELENE RESPONSE UPDATE
Emergency response operations related to Helene continue at Hickory Regional Airport.
In order for rescue and relief operations at the airport to run as efficiently as possible, citizens are asked to refrain from bringing supply donations to the airport or from visiting without prior authorization. Access to the airport is restricted to authorized personnel.
All donations for relief operations, including large cargo trucks, should be dropped off at the Appalachian State University Hickory Campus (800 17th St NW) or one of the posted Catawba County United Way collection points.
RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
FEMA Individual Assistance Program applications are available at disasterassistance.gov. Guidance on how to apply for FEMA assistance has been provided by the NC Department of Public Safety here.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans for Residents and Small Businesses.
SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
For local resources to assist with storm recovery, visit The Chamber of Catawba County's Hurricane Helene Business and Community Resources guide.
If disaster strikes your home or vehicle: Post Disaster Guidance.
Red Cross List of Shelters in Western NC
WNC Disaster Recovery Newsletter
FACILITIES & PARKS
Hickory libraries and recreation centers are operating on regular hours. All City parks are open with the following areas/amenities remaining closed: Riverwalk overwater bridge and trailhead parking lot, Glenn Hilton boardwalk, Civitan Park tennis courts, portions of the walking track and grass fields at Henry Fork River Park.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
The City of Hickory Solid Waste Division thanks everyone for their continued patience and participation with the cleanup of storm debris following Hurricane Helene. The City’s Solid Waste collection operations resumed on Saturday, Sept. 28, for both residential and commercial customers. Residents are asked to place their rollouts to the curb on their service day, and crews will get to them as quickly as possible. Read more.
For a limited time, the Solid Waste Division will waive special pickup fees specifically for yard waste. Contractors are still required to haul all their materials off to a properly licensed facility for disposal. The City of Hickory has not given permission to any contractor to place any materials to the curb for pickup. Follow all requirements for placing items to the curb or it will further delay service.
Click here for more information and important collection tips.
ROADS & TRAFFIC
Most streets have been reopened, and crews are working as fast as safely possible to allow access to the remaining areas. Please be mindful, as there may still be low hanging or down power lines due to the storm.
Any intersections without working traffic signals are to be treated as all-way stops. Drivers in each direction must come to a complete stop at these intersections.
Per North Carolina General Statute 20-158:
“When a traffic signal is not illuminated due to a power outage or other malfunction, vehicles shall approach the intersection and proceed through the intersection as though such intersection is controlled by a stop sign on all approaches to the intersection. This subdivision shall not apply if the movement of traffic at the intersection is being directed by a law enforcement officer, another authorized person, or another type of traffic control device.”
For the latest road information from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), visit DriveNC.gov. There may be closed roads not listed. Do not go around barricades or closures.
DONATIONS
The Catawba County United Way has spearheaded efforts to collect and distribute donations to those in need in the County. As we move toward longer-term recovery for our region, material distribution to those in need in western NC will be increasingly handled by state and federal resources. Individuals and groups wanting to help are encouraged to consider donating financially toward these efforts locally at Catawba County United Way and statewide at the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.
Current Hurricane Relief Collection Locations that will remain open through Oct. 11:
Catawba County United Way
2760 Tate Blvd SE, Hickory
828-327-6851
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHKY Studios
526 Main Ave SE, Hickory
828-322-1290
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Conover Fire Station #3
1776 Village Square NW, Conover
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hickory Motor Speedway
3130 US Hwy 70 SE, Newton
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lenoir-Rhyne University - Shuford Arena
755 5th Street NE, Hickory
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Appalachian State Hickory Campus
800 17th St NW, Hickory
Hours: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
828-381-8863
Additional collection points include:
Town of Long View
2404 1st Ave SE, Hickory
Donations should NOT be dropped off at Hickory Regional Airport, as we need to keep the area clear for emergency response operations.
For large loads, please contact Catawba County United Way to coordinate the location of your delivery at 828-327-6851.
CANCELLATIONS
The Lake Hickory Riversweep scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5, at Geitner Park, as part of Catawba Riversweep 2024, has been postponed until further notice. Visit catawbariversweep.org for more information.
COUNTY UPDATES
STATE OF EMERGENCY
The City of Hickory declared an official state of emergency on Thursday, Sept. 26, effective 10 a.m., in response to Hurricane Helene. The emergency declaration activates the Hickory Emergency Operations Plan for all departments. The declaration also authorizes the City to apply for financial assistance, if needed, through state or federal agencies.
CODERED ALERTS
To receive important storm information and local emergency notifications, please sign up for CodeRED emergency notification alerts by clicking here.