After-Action Report Finds Critical Gaps in North Carolina’s Hurricane Helene Response

From our partners at WCABnews.com | Annie Dance

An after-action report commissioned by North Carolina Emergency Management says Hurricane Helene revealed “critical vulnerabilities” in the state’s disaster response system, from staffing shortages to communications failures and widespread disinformation.

The independent review, conducted by the McChrystal Group, found that the Category 4 storm, which struck in September 2024, “tested North Carolina’s emergency management capabilities beyond any previous experience.” The storm killed at least 108 people, including four in Rutherford County, and caused record-breaking floods and power outages across the western part of the state.

Investigators cited three major problem areas: staffing and organization, communications breakdowns, and logistics.

The report found “severe staffing shortages of the State Emergency Response Team at both state and field levels,” adding that high turnover and limited training “significantly impacted response capabilities.”

North Carolina’s emergency agency, the report said, depends too heavily on federal grant funding for basic operations — a system described as “unsustainable.”

When Helene hit, communications collapsed statewide. The state’s VIPER radio network was overloaded, and entire counties were left without cell or internet service for days. Some responders turned to Starlink satellite systems, which the report called “a home run when other systems failed,” but those systems didn’t arrive until several days into the blackout. 

Disinformation became a problem statewide. The report found 43 percent of surveyed emergency managers said false information on social media hindered rescue efforts. Investigators urged the state to establish a network of trained public information officers and to provide stronger crisis communication training.

Resource management also broke down. The state’s WebEOC system was overwhelmed by requests for water, generators, and medical supplies. Counties reported duplicate or missing requests and long delays. One official said there was “a log jam of resource requests in logistics.”

The report recommends adding full-time liaison positions in western North Carolina, expanding satellite communication coverage, and developing a unified, statewide database for emergency coordination.

Officials concluded that fixing the problems will take long-term commitment and funding from state leaders — not just another round of federal grants.

“The response to Hurricane Helene was one of the most significant tests of North Carolina’s emergency management capabilities in recent history,” the report states. “The lessons learned must drive the state toward a stronger, more resilient future.”

The full Hurricane Helene After Action Review is available online here.

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Annie Dance is an investigative journalist with WCAB News in Rutherford County.