The catastrophic flooding and destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina likely caused at least a record $53 billion in damages and recovery needs, Gov. Roy Cooper's administration said Wednesday.

North Carolina officials say the catastrophic flooding and destruction from Hurricane Helene likely caused at least $53 billion in damages and recovery needs in the state.

Damage and recovery costs for Hurricane Helene have already exceeded $1 million for BrightRidge, the provider announced on Wednesday. According to BrightRidge, more than 33,000 of its 83,000 electric customers were without power during the height of Hurricane Helene.