Fast-forward to Tuesday, where customers in indoor and sidewalk seating gathered at Whiskey Bar and several other downtown hangouts to enjoy hot food, to recharge their phone batteries - and their emotional batteries - while waiting for power, water and internet access to return to their homes.

Helene's survivors should not feel alone, Matranga said, and governmental agencies will render assistance for as long as they can. Applicants can meet with aid workers in person at disaster recovery centers; can call 1 (800) 621-3362; or can apply online by visiting disasterassistance.gov.

Western North Carolina and parts of South Carolina have been devastated by Hurricane Helene. Here's how you can help.