Many in Western North Carolina remained without fresh water, internet or cell service. Seven water plants in Avery, Burke, Haywood, Jackson, Rutherford, Watauga and Yancey counties are closed, according to a news release issued by Cooper’s office Saturday night. That affects nearly 70,000 households.

This declaration is on top of the federal emergency declaration that was already in place before the impacts of Helene.

Governor Ned Lamont Friday approved a request for the Connecticut National Guard to assist with disaster response in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene blew through. Lamont’s office said a CH-47 Chinook helicopter and five-solider flight crew with the 1-169th Aviation Regiment left Friday morning to help with recovery efforts.

President Biden has granted Governor Roy Cooper’s request for a federal major disaster declaration for Tropical Storm Helene. The declaration means that FEMA will be able to speed additional help to the state and provide individual assistance to people living in affected counties,