North Carolina town destroyed by Hurricane Helene hoping to welcome tourists back by midsummer

The vacation town of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, is unrecognizable after Hurricane Helene left a line of destruction across the southeast back in September, according to the town's mayor, Peter O'Leary.

"It destroyed the village," O'Leary said. "It took away the old Chimney Rock." 

Thousands of visitors visit the mountain town on a typical summer day, but damage left behind by Helene blocked Chimney Rock off to everyone except residents.

"I've got meetings with FEMA inspectors...