Classes are canceled at Appalachian State University through Friday, Oct. 4, at least, as the town of Boone recovers from Helene.

Interim Chancellor Heather Norris shared an update Tuesday afternoon days after flooding left cars underwater and damaged buildings on campus and across town.

Other WRAL Top Stories

"Throughout our entire area, there is widespread lack of power and water, along with significant transportation and communication issues. Some of our students, faculty and staff have lost everything," Norris wrote.

The university has created a disaster relief resources page at appstate.edu/disaster-relief, a place to find updated information on campus resources, how to volunteer and where to donate.

Buildings damaged at App State

The extent of the damage occurred at App State's Boone campus, the university said. The Hickory campus is closed but has no major issues.

At the Boone campus, Levine Hall remains without power, and the following buildings have significant water damage:

  • Walker Hall
    • Rankin Science Building
      • Varsity Gym
        • Holmes Convocation Center (academic areas)

          Faculty and staff who are able to get to campus safely are allowed to retrieve items from their offices while the school is closed. Those who wish to access Walker Hall, Rankin Science Building, Varsity Gym and the academic areas of Holmes Convocation Center will need to contact their department chair to arrange for access.

          App State residence halls, dining hall open

          App state residence halls and student recreation remain open for students.

          "Our residence halls are safe and largely unaffected," the university said Sunday. "Our classroom buildings have not fared as well."

          Central Dining Hall, located at 480 Rivers St., in Boone, is open and serving meals to campus and community members free of charge. There is also free Wi-Fi.

          Wi-Fi is also available for the public at the following locations:

          • Stadium (Blue Ridge) Parking Deck: 185 Stadium Heights Drive
            • College Street (Library) Parking Deck: 162 College St.
              • Plemmons Student Union: 263 Locust St.

                Helene moved through North Carolina on Friday as a tropical storm, with several mountain towns suffering the worst of the impacts in the state.

                According to the school, classes will remain closed through Friday, Oct. 4, on both Boone and Hickory campuses, and the university will operate under an "Adverse Weather Condition 3" status, which is done to ensure an "orderly shutdown of campus facilities and to sustain only the most critical campus utilities and services."

                The university said assessment of the damage and recovery from Helene will take time.

                Flooding severely damaged roadways and towns in the mountains, with parts of I-40 near the Tennessee border collapsing in a rockslide. The school said road conditions in Boone and Watauga County remain dangerous.

                "As the rain slackens and waters recede, it's important to remember that flood waters, even if they have lowered, are dangerous," a university spokesperson said. "Creeks, rivers and ponds may look calm, but water tends to rush faster at depth. Flood waters, including standing water, can have sewage overflow. Do not attempt to enter any bodies of water."

                According to Appalachian State, roads and sidewalks in the Boone area have unstable sections, washed out areas or are structurally compromised.

                "There are a number of trees and tree limbs down on campus and in the community. If you choose to leave the area, please proceed with extreme caution, and keep the roads as clear as possible for emergency response vehicles," a university spokesperson said.

                The university said none of the residence halls were structurally compromised by the storm.

                In addition to campus being closed, the university said the town of Boone is under a boil water advisory for residents who still have water.

                The university provided tips for residents on how they can conserve their water:

                • Take shorter showers and shut off water while shampooing and applying soap
                  • Run dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full
                    • Don't run the faucet while waiting for water to cool, and use a dishpan for washing and rinsing dishes

                      The school said non-mandatory employees, including faculty, should stay home. Faculty can contact the school for questions at 828-262-2070 or through email at academicaffairs@appstate.edu.

                      Off-campus students, faculty and staff in need of shelter should call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767). The Red Cross is also accepting donations at this same phone number. If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

                      Those who would like to donate to App State's disaster relief fund can do so here.