Abstract: This study investigates the impact of Hurricane Helene on freight transportation in Western North Carolina, focusing on Asheville and its surrounding areas. GPS-based telematics data were used to segment freight activity into three temporal periods: before, during, and after the hurricane. The dataset was cleaned, classified, and mapped using QGIS to identify disruptions, rerouting patterns, and recovery trends. Particular attention was given to the closure of Interstate 40, a major east–west freight corridor that experienced severe flooding west of Asheville. Visual and topographic analyses revealed that freight was rerouted during the hurricane toward higher-elevation corridors, such as I-240.

Telematics-based observations were validated using publicly reported closures and elevation overlays from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data. The findings showed that although the NCDOT flood warning system tool accurately predicted flooding along I-40, rerouting efforts were primarily reactive, with minimal pre-trip decision support for drivers. Although the detours proved effective, this situation highlights the need for integrated, real-time decision tools to reduce delays in supply chain and economic disruption.