Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage to Asheville’s famous attraction Biltmore Estate.
The 8,000-acre estate that hosts 1.4 million visitors a year suffered significant damage in some buildings after the hurricane ripped through Western California, as reported by CNN.
“We are still assessing impacts to the estate from Tropical Storm Helene and that will take some time,” the Biltmore said in a statement on Thursday.
The Biltmore Estate, known for housing America’s largest privately owned mansion, reported that the 250-room Biltmore House, winery, conservatory, and hotels “received minimal or no damage from the storm.”
However, low-lying areas on the estate, such as the entrance and farm, faced “significant flooding and damage to buildings.” The Biltmore said, “We sadly lost a few of our animals during the storm, but the vast majority are safe and accounted for.”
The forested portions of the Biltmore Estate, which represent a substantial part of the property, experienced extensive wind damage to the grounds and some structures. “Crews have been working tirelessly to clear roads so we can begin repairs,” the estate reported.
It’s not clear when the estate will reopen, but “Initial assessments indicate the estate will be closed to guests until at least October 15,” the Biltmore said on its website. “We will continue to provide updates about operations beyond that date as they are available.”
Biltmore Estate, located in Buncombe County, has become an unexpected epicentre of death and destruction from Hurricane Helene. As of Friday, at least 72 fatalities have been reported in the county, and approximately 78,000 homes and businesses are still without power, one week after the storm’s devastating impact.
The electricity substation serving Biltmore Village, a popular area just outside the estate, sustained catastrophic damage and will require months for repairs, according to Duke Energy.
“The water line is almost at the top of that substation,” said Duke Energy spokesperson Bill Norton.
“We can’t leave those customers without power for that long, so we’ve brought in a 200,000-pound mobile substation,” he added.
The mobile substation is expected to be operational by Sunday. “We’re digging new spots for wiring to ensure they are underground and safe,” Norton added.
In Western North Carolina, about 1,05,000 homes and businesses are facing “long-term” power outages due to Helene’s destruction of critical infrastructure.