A majority of North Carolina homeowners didn’t have flood insurance. Then Helene hit. [Video]

Hurricane Helene’s rains devastated North Carolina last week — but most homeowners in the state didn’t have flood insurance, according to state officials and an analysis of federal data.

That may leave homeowners with a hefty bill as they try to repair the damage, according to researchers and insurance experts.

Flooding caused by the storm killed dozens in the state, left many residents without running water or power, uprooted businesses, and destroyed homes.

Rainfall collected by at least a dozen weather stations in the region, including near Asheville, reached their highest-ever 3-day totals during the event, ranging from nearly 13 inches to over 31 inches, according to a report from the North Carolina State Climate Office.

But only about 2.6% of the 4.3 million properties across North Carolina — or around 115,000 properties — had flood insurance as of June 2024, …