Freddie Pell stands in his art gallery in downtown Boone, N.C., that was flooded when Tropical Storm Helene passed over western North Carolina, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

Several incense sticks poke out of a bowl outside of Dancing Moon Earthway Bookstore for passersby to use after Tropical Storm Helene passed, along King Street in downtown Boone, N.C., on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

Bricks lie scattered from the destruction and flooding of Tropical Storm Helene at an outdoor seating area in downtown Boone, N.C., on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

Paul Tuttle stands with his dogs in front of his restaurant, Melanie's, which was largely undamaged by Tropical Storm Helene, along King Street in downtown Boone, N.C., Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

Freddie Pell stands in his art gallery in downtown Boone, N.C., that was flooded when Tropical Storm Helene passed over western North Carolina, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera)

A destroyed mobile home and vehicles lay scattered across muddy land, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Hendersonville, N.C., in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. (AP Photo/Brittany Peterson)

Marisol Juarez and her daughter Abril stand in front of their family's destroyed mobile home, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Hendersonville, N.C., in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. (AP Photo/Brittany Peterson)

A person pushes a wheelbarrow and trash can as clean up in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene begins Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Hot Springs, N.C. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)