NORTH CAROLINA (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina almost a month ago as the deadliest tropical storm in the state's history. Although there is still a lot of work to be done, especially in the hardest-hit areas of the mountains, there has been significant progress made compared to the days following Helene's arrival. More than 3,150 soldiers and airmen have been working in western N.C. in the aftermath of the storm. Joint Task Force North Carolina, led by the North Carolina National Guard is made up of soldiers and airmen from 12 different states, two different XVIII Airborne Corps units from Ft. Liberty, a unit from Ft. Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division, and numerous civilian entities working side-by-side to get the much-needed help to people in Western North Carolina. Key Progress Update Today, there are around 5,000 customers still without power, but most of the cell phone coverage that was wiped out by the storm has been restored. The N.C. Department of Transportation has also reopened 789 roads out of the approximately 1,200 roads that were closed as a result of the storm. NCDOT currently has about 2,000 employees and 900 pieces of equipment working to reopen roads that remain closed. Twenty-eight of the school districts that were closed following the storm have reopened, with seven still closed. Two of the seven are scheduled to reopen this week. The essential travel-only ban has been lifted, however, officials want to remind travelers that hazards still remain in those affected areas. Please obey all signs and barricades. I-40 at the Tennessee/N.C. state line and I-26 in TN remain closed. The estimated reopening time is unknown. Commercial and through traffic is still prohibited. Supply Drops and Commodities Due to the limited road access, state, local, and federal government agencies worked with nonprofits and volunteers for aerial delivery of supplies and commodities like water, food, and medicine. Supplies were brought into the Asheville airport and then delivered to other parts of Western North Carolina by helicopter. At the height of this operation, more than 30 planes and helicopters and 1,200 ground vehicles were in use. More than 27 million pounds of food and water were delivered by the state and federal government, with more being brought by non-profits and charities. Other resources have surged into the area following the storm. $100 million in emergency funding from the US Department of Transportation has been granted. NC Department of Health and Human Services, NCDEQ, Department of Motor Vehicles, NC Department of Public Instruction, and many other state entities are supporting response and recovery. MORE FROM QCNEWS.COM Helene Aftermath ‘Mind-boggling’ devastation left in the wake of Helene in Yancey County Essential travel ban lifted as officials make progress in Western NC weeks after Helene, Gov. Cooper says Lake Norman band director gathers musicians, holds benefit concert for Helene relief