KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the southeastern United States, including parts of East Tennessee. Cocke County was one of the hardest hit in the state. And now, nearly a year later, people in those communities are still rebuilding.

Late September 2024 brings back strong feelings for people from the county because flooding from Hurricane Helene devastated the area, especially along the Pigeon River.

Janet Sams has lived on River Street, which is next to the river, for 13 years. She now lives in a home on stilts.

She said where the porch starts now that it's on stilts is how high up the water was when it flooded. She said she had a basement and everything in her old house was flooded. Her home was destroyed, but she rebuilt in the same spot with the help of God's

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