ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — It has now been a week since Hurricane Helene slammed into western North Carolina with torrential rains and gale-force winds, causing deaths, power outages and a trail of destruction.

11:30 a.m. – Transylvania County Schools returns October 14th

Transylvania County Schools told News 13 schools will remain closed next week with optional workdays on October 10th and 11th.

A news release said extracurriculars and athletics could resume Oct. 10. Students will return to school on October 14th.

These are the latest updates on recovery efforts for Oct. 4, a week after the Sept. 26-27 storm.

10 a.m. – Buncombe County gives morning briefing: Power outages could last through Sunday

Buncombe County officials held a briefing on the morning of Oct. 4 and were joined by Duke Energy’s Bill Norton to provide an update on the power outages.

While Norton had previously said power should be restored to most customers by today, he said in the news conference that most customers should now be restored by Sunday.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, Norton said 170,000 customers were still without power. He said some could also see power restored next week.

“We will not stop until the power is back for everyone,” Norton said.

8:45 a.m. – Pardee reports his cancer center is resuming normal operations

UNC Health Pardee announced in an Oct. 4 press release that its emergency department is open and that its cancer center will resume normal operations today.

OPENINGS TODAY, OCT. 4:

• Carolina Lung and Sleep at Pardee (CLASP)
• Outpatient Radiology/Breast Imaging
• Pardee BlueMD – 1027 Fleming St., Hendersonville (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee BlueMD – 1409 Asheville Hwy., Brevard (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee BlueMD – 1824 Pisgah Dr., Laurel Park (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee BlueMD – 2695 Hendersonville Rd., Suite 200, Arden (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee BlueMD – 2775 Hendersonville Rd., Arden (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee BlueMD – 611 5th Ave. West, Hendersonville (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee BlueMD – 6503 Brevard Rd., Etowah (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
• Pardee Cancer Center
• Pardee Cardiology Associates, Brevard
• Pardee Cardiology Associates, Hendersonville
• Pardee Center for Infectious Diseases
• Pardee Comprehensive Wound Healing Center
• Pardee Home Health
• Pardee Neurology Associates, Arden (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee Neurology Associates, Brevard (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee Neurology Associates, Hendersonville (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
• Pardee OB/GYN Associates – 617 6th Ave. West
• Pardee Pain Center
• Pardee Physical Therapy, Brevard
• Pardee Physical Therapy, Hendersonville (Thompson St.)
• Pardee Rx-Fleming
• Pardee Surgical Associates, Hendersonville
• Pardee Urgent Care, Brevard
• Pardee Urgent Care, Fletcher
• Pardee Urgent Care, Hendersonville
• Pardee Urgent Care, Mills River
• Pardee Urologic Associates
• Pardee @Work, Thompson St.
• PATHS in Pardee
• Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics – Asheville Hwy., Thompson St., Waynesville
• Vascular surgery at Pardee

CLOSURES / CANCELLATIONS:

• Mammo on the Go in Brevard is canceled.
• Pardee BlueMD practices not listed above are closed.
• Pardee’s specialty practices not listed above are closed.
• Pardee Physical Therapy locations not listed above are closed.

8:15 a.m. – McDowell County reports its first death in Helene

On Oct. 4, McDowell County government reported Helene’s first death in the county.

According to a news release, county officials confirmed the first death related to Helene.

“While search and rescue efforts continue, one person has tragically died due to the effects of the storm,” the release said. “The identity of the deceased is being withheld out of respect for the family who have been notified.”

The press release said rescue teams continue to “work tirelessly, searching for missing people and providing assistance.”

The Helene hotline remains open for reporting missing people and requesting help. Anyone concerned that loved ones are missing or needs assistance is asked to call the hotline at 828-652-3241.

“Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid traveling through flood-affected areas. Emergency services are actively working to ensure the safety of the community,” the release said. “As of Friday morning, over 600 emergency responders, supported by hundreds of volunteers, are on site to conduct search and rescue operations, deliver vital supplies and provide shelter for evacuees.

8 a.m. – AdventHealth Hendersonville: Elective surgeries postponed

AdventHealth Hendersonville said in an Oct. 4 news release that it offers emergency and inpatient care, including intensive care, behavioral health, laboratory and imaging services. Elective surgeries have been postponed to prioritize urgent care needs.

Additionally, these updates have been provided:

• The Baby Place at AdventHealth: It remained open during the storm and was ready to support expectant mothers. Expectant mothers who are 35 weeks pregnant or older and are not considered high risk may bring their prenatal care documents with them or have them faxed to The Baby Place at 828-681-2749. If you have any questions, call The Baby Place at 828-681-2260.
• Outpatient services: Primary and specialty care services are available at AdventHealth Medical Group’s offices on Doctors Drive and Hospital Drive in Hendersonville, as well as its Parkway office locations in South Asheville, Forge Mountain, Candler and East Asheville. Providers will again hold a walk-in primary care clinic on Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Medical Office Building at 50 Hospital Drive in Hendersonville. The AdventHealth Pediatrics office in MOB is open until 3 p.m. today.
• Support for team members: Over the past week, at least 18 Advent team members have lost their homes and others have suffered significant damage and loss. But many still come to work to ensure the safety and care of their patients. AdventHealth continues to provide food, shelter and other support to all of our team members. We would like to thank the community for their generosity by donating to our team.
• Community Resources: AdventHealth provides information on medical practices, community resources and other support for those affected by the hurricane. For more information, visit AdventHealthWNC.com or follow AdventHealth on social media.

7:30 a.m. – Shops in Weaverville begin to reopen

A caller told News 13 that several businesses in Weaverville had reopened.

The caller said all of these stores were open today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Walmart (25 Northridge Commons Parkway), Ingles (140 Weaver Blvd.) and Publix (165 Weaver Blvd.).

2 a.m. – The Yancey County Sheriff’s Office updates the death toll

According to a social media post, the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office said the death toll from the storm currently stands at eight.

“As search and rescue efforts continue, the Sheriff’s Office has worked with our state and federal partners to save lives and honor those who died,” the post said. “While final figures are still pending, the current official death toll from the storm is eight storm-related deaths and one death from what the coroner believes to be natural causes. As we reflect on what we have lost and.” We grieve with those who mourn and remain incredibly grateful for the privilege of serving the people of our mountain home.

MIDNIGHT – French Broad Electric: Bakersville power restored

French Broad Electric reported on social media overnight that power was restored to the city of Bakersville at midnight.

“There is still so much damage to be repaired in many parts of our system, but we are shortening our failure list every day,” the post said.

The post continued: “The people of Bakersville have been so patient and supportive, as have many of the other communities we serve. It feels really good to know we were able to give power back to some of them tonight.”