Aerial images of Hurricane Helene damage now online

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is collecting aerial damage assessment images in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Imagery is collected in specific areas by NOAA aircraft, identified by NOAA in coordination with FEMA and other state and federal partners.

Collected NOAA Emergency Response Imagery is available below and new imagery will be posted as soon as it is available. View tips on how to use the imagery viewer.

• October 8: Areas including Burnsville, Drexel, Wilkesboro, Elkin, and Salisbury.
• October 7: Areas including Hendersonville, Chimney Rock, Marshall, Bakersville, and Morganton.
• October 6: Areas north and south of Asheville, including Hot Springs, Brevard, and Rosman; Canton, Maggie Valley, Sylva, Webster, and Franklin; area northwest of Morganton.
• October 5: Area covering Western North Carolina, including Asheville, Weaverville, Fletcher, Marion, Bryson City, Spruce Pine, and Boone.
• October 2: Area covering West of Tampa, Saint Petersburg, and Elfers northward to Homosassa Springs, Inglis, Suwannee, and Steinhatchee.
• October 1: Area covering portions of East Tampa and Clearwater.
• September 30: Segments of the Gulf Coast of Florida from Elfers to Englewood; eastern Tampa Bay coastline.
• September 29: Segments of the Gulf coast of Florida from Cedar Key south, including parts of St. Petersburg and Sarasota.
• September 28: Area covering the Gulf coast of Florida from Dekle Beach to Cedar Key (including Steinhatchee); Downtown Tampa.
• September 27: Area covering the Gulf coast of Florida from Panama City to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

NOAA’s aerial imagery captures damage to coastal areas caused by a storm and aids safe navigation. Aerial imagery is a crucial tool to determine the extent of the damage inflicted by flooding, and to compare baseline coastal areas to assess the damage to major ports and waterways, coastlines, critical infrastructure, and coastal communities. This imagery provides a cost-effective way to better understand the damage sustained to both property and the environment.

More Information

NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey is the U.S. Government source for precise latitude, longitude, and elevation measurements. The NOAA fleet of ships and aircraft is operated, managed, and maintained by the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, which includes commissioned officers of the NOAA Corps and civilian wage mariners.

10/17/24