Study: USGS says renewed landslide activity caused by Helene possible for months or years

A study of conditions nine months after Hurricane Helene by the US Geological Survey says no immediate threats for landslides exist after the weather event.

The area evaluated stretched from Johnson City southward into nine North Carolina counties. One USGS finding–threats from renewed landslide activity may remain heightened in localized areas for months or even years. Soil scars opened by the region’s landslides will have continued erosion and those disaster-made landmarks number in the thousands, according to the study.

A strong summertime thunderstorm with heavy rainfall in short periods could trigger continued landslide activity. The agency’s last review identified more than 2,200 landslides in NC and TN.

(IMAGE: USGS / October 2024)