Hurricane Helene Wreaks Havoc: 370 Cell Towers Down, Apple's Satellite Messaging in High Demand

Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage to communication infrastructure in North Carolina, with around 370 cell towers out of action and a further 103 running on backup power. This has led to increased reliance on Apple's Messages via satellite service for people to check in on their loved ones. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has activated its disaster recovery plan for parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In the worst-hit counties, around 90% of cell sites are out, with situations particularly dire in Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties. Two local television stations and two FM radio stations are also out of service in North Carolina.