Post-Hurricane Traffic Analysis - Our Methodology

Our dashboard uses two-way traffic data from North Carolina's Department of Transportation's Traffic Count Database System (TCDS). Our analysis includes daily traffic counts from 31stations across 14 North Carolina counties that were impacted by the Hurricane Helene and have continuous traffic measurement systems.

Post-Hurricane Traffic Analysis - Analysis

This dashboard maps traffic stations across Western North Carolina and visualizes traffic levels from weeks 36 through 44 of 2023 and 2024, covering most of September and October. The comparison highlights Hurricane Helene's dramatic impact on regional traffic, with volumes dropping sharply in the week before landfall and during the storm (week 39). While some highways saw traffic rebound in the weeks after the hurricane, others, like I-40 west of Asheville, remained closed for months. By comparing this year's data to the same week a year ago, this graphic allows the user to identify traffic patterns that are different from normal seasonal tourist swings, such as peak fall leaf viewing.

Helene's Impact on Employment - Our Methodology

Our dashboard uses the monthly county-level unemployment rates from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). To enable statewide comparisons, our analysis includes data from all 100 counties in North Carolina.

Helene's Impact on Employment - Analysis

This dashboard visualizes changes in unemployment rates across North Carolina since September 2024, prior to Hurricane Helene. The data illustrates the hurricane's significant economic impact in Western North Carolina, with the hardest hit counties experienced unemployment rate increases of over 2 percentage points between September and October. In contrast, most other counties across the state saw minimal changes. By hovering over a county, users can see the latest unemployment rate as well as the pre-Helene September level. (The data is not adjusted for seasonal variation, so minor month-to month fluctuations may reflect typical seasonal patterns.)

Restaurant Closures - Our Methodology

This dashboard uses Google Maps data (accessed on November 27, 2024) to identify temporary and permanent restaurant closures in counties impacted by Hurricane Helene. To differentiate between restaurants that are closed during off-hours, we only identify a restaurant as closed if the restaurant is not reporting any business hours. Google Maps identifies closure status based on voluntary updates from business owners as well as information from user activity. Our focus on restaurants reflects their significant role in local economies and the strong incentives for restaurant owners to keep their Google Maps information updated.

Restaurant Closures - Analysis

This dashboard provides a snapshot of temporary restaurant closures across Western North Carolina as of November 27, 2024. While urban centers with higher restaurant densities show more closures overall (indicated by red triangles), some rural areas show a large number of closures, representing a larger fraction of their total restaurants. Since we lack pre-Hurricane Helene closure data, the map is most useful for comparing impacts across regions. Moreover, as we add future snapshots of the data, we can assess the recovery trajectory of individual communities.

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Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in Western North Carolina communities, and the time and effort required for economic recovery will vary across counties and neighborhoods. This dashboard provides data in near real-time to measure economic activity and recovery at county and subcounty levels, wherever possible. By comparing current economic indicators with the same period in previous years, the dashboard offers an accessible way for policymakers, government organizations and others to track progress, evaluate pilot recovery programs and make informed decisions to support continuing recovery efforts.

On the Road Again?

Post-Hurricane Traffic Analysis: County-Level Flows in Western NC

While the traffic data show patterns of movement through Western North Carolina, they raise important questions about the region’s recovery. Are drivers stopping and contributing to local economies or simply passing through? Low traffic on certain routes may reflect continuing road closures, but it could also indicate that nearby businesses remain shuttered or that travelers believe they are. Understanding these nuances is key to interpreting what the traffic data reveal about the region’s broader economic recovery.

Analysis
View Methodology

Helene’s Impact on Western North Carolina Employment

Analysis
View Methodology

Restaurant Closures

Percent of Restaurants Closed Likely Due to Hurricane Helene

Analysis
View Methodology

Consumer Spending

Tracking Credit Card Spending Trends

Foot Traffic

Tracking movement through commercial areas

This is a preliminary version of the dashboard and is not intended for distribution.
UPDATED AS OF JANUARY 2025

Please direct feedback and questions to Kenan Institute Assistant Director of Business Development Shannon Chen (shannon_chen@kenan-flagler.unc.edu).