Biltmore Estate temporarily closed after Helene slams North Carolina area
FILE-The historic Biltmore Estate home in Asheville, North Carolina is the largest private home in the U.S. (Photo by: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
The Biltmore Estate is temporarily closed after huge rainfall from Tropical Storm Helene caused massive flooding in the Asheville, North Carolina area.
"Due to significant flooding, impassable roads, and widespread power outages in our region from Tropical Storm Helene, Biltmore will remain closed until further notice as our community continues focusing on recovery efforts."
"Initial assessments indicate the estate will be closed to guests until at least October 15. We will continue to provide updates about operations beyond that date as they are available,"a message on the Biltmore’s website read.
RELATED: Asheville flooding: Hurricane Helene drone footage shows swallowed city streets
The Biltmore was initially planning to open Thursday based on a statement shared on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday
"The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience as we assess the damage of last weekend's storm and work to repair communication channels."
The Asheville area was slammed by flooding from Helene, leaving thousands of residents with powers and intermittent access and sell service which is also affecting the Biltmore Estate.
What is the Biltmore Estate?
The French Renaissance castle opened in 1895 by George Vanderbilt and features 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.
Located in the center of Asheville and Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic house and museum is also a landmark known as "America’s Largest Home" before it became one of North Carolina’s popular tourist destinations.
RELATED: Helene aftermath latest: At least 120 dead, NC communities still isolated
This 8,000 acre estate has a scenic backyard with outdoor activities for tourists like biking, hiking, and horseback riding, per the Biltmore website.
Drone video showed water levels reaching the first floors of several structures within the Biltmore Village – originally constructed in the 1800s for workers of the Biltmore Estate.
Helene hits Asheville and other North Carolina communities
Asheville officials are still trying to rescue residents who have been trapped by the historic flooding over the weekend, which has left many without access to power, running water and cell service.
The North Carolina National Guard reported that it completed 16 air missions, resulting in the rescue of residents and pets. It said the largest single mission saw the rescue of 41 people north of Asheville in Bumcombe County, according to FOX Weather.
North Carolina officials on Monday pledged to get more water and other supplies to flood-stricken areas. Gov. Roy Cooper predicted the death toll would also rise as rescuers and other emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding.
Dozens of people across several states were killed. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said during a news conference Monday that the death toll in that state had risen from 17 to 25. The death toll also includes 35 people in Buncombe County, North Carolina, which includes the mountain city of Asheville.