How do I get out of Western North Carolina? Map of roads still closed

Crews continues to clear roads in Western North Carolina that have been impassable in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene.

While the work takes time, progress is being made to help people who have been isolated due to downed trees and powerlines and the debris left behind by flooding. Others will have a longer wait though due to roads and bridges being completely washed away. The North Carolina Department of Transportation posted photos of washed-out roads or areas so congested with debris that it is difficult to tell if a road was even there.

“Scenes like this are common across Western NC today as crews are spread out for #HeleneNC cleanup and recovery,” the Facebook post from Monday read. It also came with the ongoing message to people thinking of going to the western part of the state, “All roads in Western NC should be considered closed to all non-emergency travel.”

Here’s a look at the latest updates from NCDOT and where to find ways out of Western North Carolina.

Is I-40 open?

Hurricane Helene and her remnants have impacted hundreds of roads, leaving people with little to no roads to escape the devastated part of the Tar Heel state. Much of Interstate 40 and Interstate 26 at the Tennessee-North Carolina border were closed over the weekend and on Monday, according to the state’s road closures map. Parts of 1-40 have been completely washed away and sections are expected to be closed for the long-term.

Interstate 40, a major thoroughfare through the Southern Appalachians, is closed in some areas in both directions:

I-40 East is closed from mile marker 432 in Tennessee until mile marker 3 in North Carolina.
I-40 West is closed starting at mile marker 3 in North Carolina through mile marker 435 in Tennessee.

The good news is, I-40 had been closed at Old Fort Mountain because of a mudslide, but NCDOT said the eastbound lanes are now open, and the westbound lanes will open later Tuesday.

On Tuesday, North Carolina Director of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins said although I-40 is being reopened today east of Asheville, I-40 at mile marker 3 in Haywood County will remain closed indefinitely.

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How can I leave Western NC?

NCDOT has listed 1-40 East and I-26 East as evacuation routes for people to get out of the area. People should be cautious if they attempt to leave the area.

US 64 to US 74 ALT just north of Hendersonville is impassable at this time due to landslides. The road is impassable between US 74 ALT and Slick Rock Road according to NCDOT.

Current NC DOT Road closure map

There may be closed roads not listed on DriveNC.gov as many areas are not able to report at this time, according to NCDOT.

You can follow road closures at drivenc.gov.

How many roads were closed in Western North Carolina, Asheville after the storm?

This map shows roads closed on Sunday to show the extent of the challenge in traveling in Western North Carolina.