![](https://smokymountainnews.com/media/k2/items/cache/eb393a8ce8d5f220750b458c12507d27_L.jpg)
By the numbers: Where Helene recovery stands, and where it's going
Local planners are optimistic about recovery — especially with the projected reopening of one lane of traffic in each direction on Interstate 40 next month — but are tempering expectations for 2025. In the 28 counties most affected by Hurricane Helene, …