Search-and-rescue teams who have already saved hundreds of people scoured the mountains of western North Carolina for more survivors on Tuesday, working amid washed-out roads, smashed bridges and felled power lines following Hurricane Helene.

The situation is dire. Many North Carolina communities haven’t had fresh water, internet or cell service for multiple days.

It’s only been a few days since the storm walloped North Carolina and other states. But if voting is affected in the battleground, Republicans in rural areas are poised to feel it the most.