U.S. flag An official website of the United States government.

dot gov icon Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

https icon Secure websites use HTTPS

A small lock or https:// means you’ve safely connected to a .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Hurricane Helene: aerial imagery

National Geodetic Survey damage assessment imagery

Aerial view of a destroyed building in Asheville, North Carolina, collected by NOAA aircraft on October 5, 2024.

Aerial view of a destroyed building in Asheville, North Carolina, collected by NOAA aircraft on October 5, 2024.

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.

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.

10/10/24

Before/After: Selected images from the Aerial Imagery Viewer

Select the rectangular icon with directional arrows using your mouse (or your finger) and slide back and forth to view a "before and after" comparison. "Before" imagery is provided by Mapbox, Digital Globe, and OpenStreetMap; "After" imagery was captured by NOAA's National Geodetic Survey in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. View tips on how to use the imagery viewer.

A view of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, after Hurricane Helene. A view of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, before Hurricane Helene.

A view of Chimney Rock, North Carolina, before and after Hurricane Helene. | View this location on the map.