CANE RIVER, N.C. — The river that runs along Ted Baker’s Yancey County property is different these days.

“It’s 20 to 30 feet wider," Baker said. "That used to be lined with trees. It’s not anymore — it’s just rocks. We’re not seeing as many fish."

It all changed a year ago when Hurricane Helene overflowed the Cane River’s banks. Baker and his wife watched it happen.

“The river was so fast ...” Baker recalled. “Things are floating by — whole houses and trucks and cars and those giant propane tanks.”

The floodwaters destroyed the bridge on their driveway, cutting them off from everyone and everything.

“We were on the missing list," Baker said. "Kayakers came by to make sure we hadn’t been washed away."

Their home of 44 years, perched high enough on the banks, sustained only minor damag

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