Several North Carolina counties opened warming shelters for people without heat access or who were displaced by Hurricane Helene last September. Some are enduring the cold while living in tents as they wait for more aid.

December has delivered snow and biting cold, a different type of storm from Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina in late September. Hundreds of people whose homes were destroyed are still living in campers and tents amid the cold temperatures.

Freezing temperatures are typical this time of year, but they are less than welcome in communities still recovering from Helene. Emergency management officials across the mountains have plans in place to ensure residents have a warm place to stay.