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, a Category 4 hurricane, impacted the North Carolina coast starting September 26th with moderate to heavy impacts. Despite its strength, its storm surge was less severe than initially predicted because it remained offshore and its strongest surge occurred in the eastern hemisphere of the storm, away from land.