UPDATE: On October 11, 2024, the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court issued an additional emergency directive order under G.S. 7A-39(b)(1) extending relief for certain weather-affected counties in Western North Carolina (the “Extension Order”). The Extension Order extends the order issued September 29, 2024 (as amended September 30, 2024) for the following 13 counties: Avery, Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey. The emergency directives contained in the Extension Order become effective October 15, 2024, and expire on October 28, 2024.
There is no way to avoid hearing and seeing the devastating news about Western North Carolina. People have died; lost their loved ones; lost their homes; and have no power, water, cell phone or internet service. Towns are destroyed. Roads and bridges are gone. Although the news has focused on the larger western counties, cities and towns in smaller counties are also severely impacted. In these smaller communities, the full extent of the devastation is unknown because of the inability to access them. Some counties and towns are completely cut off, having to rely on helicopter drops for supplies. Trying to connect with family and loved ones there is almost impossible. Words simply cannot convey the devastation and loss. If you want to try to help, Blue Ridge Public Radio posted a list of organizations and needs: https://www.bpr.org/bpr-news/2024-09-28/list-ways-to-donate-and-help-flood-victims-in-western-north-carolina-after-hurricane-helene
Although Helene has stopped what is considered normal everyday life for almost a third of our counties, business in the state – including court business –has not stopped its daily routine. Yesterday, Chief Justice Newby issued an Order, effective September 30th, and amended September 30th, attempting to relieve some of that pressure in effected areas and address the catastrophic conditions in our western North Carolina counties. The Order extends “the time and periods of limitation for filing and of acts due to be done in the following counties:” Continue Reading
