BURKE COUNTY – Burke County has confirmed its first storm-related fatality. North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) reported that 52-year-old Nick Mitchell tragically passed away after his vehicle struck a low-hanging tree on Summers Road near Drexel Road. Helene brought heavy rainfall to Burke County. The storm system led to 9.79 inches of rain in Morganton, 10.68 inches at Lake James, and a staggering 22.88 inches in Jonas Ridge, causing severe flooding and destructive winds. Chris White, the Public Information Officer for the county, expressed the community’s condolences and support for Mitchell’s family during this difficult time.