Roughly paralleling the North Carolina coast beginning on September 26, Helene's slow movement and strong intensity resulted in moderate to heavy impacts in coastal areas of the state. Despite the hurricane's Category 4 hurricane intensity, due to its closest approach to land remaining offshore, its storm surge remained less than initially forecast. The hurricane's track also placed its strongest storm surge in the eastern hemisphere of the storm, away from any landmasses.
Helene's slow movement and strong intensity caused moderate to heavy impacts along the North Carolina coast beginning on September 26th. Despite its Category 4 strength, its storm surge remained less severe than initially predicted due to its proximity to land remaining offshore. The hurricane's track positioned its strongest surge in the eastern hemisphere of the storm, away from any landmasses.