These Hurricane Helene updates are for Monday, Sept. 30.

Western North Carolina is continuing to recover after the hurricane hit on the night of Sept. 26 and into the day on Sept. 27, bringing torrential rain and hurricane-force winds that brought down trees on powerlines.

Hundreds of thousands are still without power and water. We will continue with live updates throughout the day.

10:45 A.M. - Death toll rises to 35 in Buncombe County

Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller reports that the death toll from Hurricane Helene has risen from 30 to 35 in Buncombe County.

Miller made the announcement during the press conference from Buncombe County officials at 10 a.m.

Miller also said there has been reported looting at stores and confrontations at gas stations.

8 A.M. - Asheville Regional Airport gives update on air travel

According to a news release from the Asheville Regional Airport, flights are slowly returning back to normal.

The airport gave these updates to News 13 this morning:

Commercial air service is resuming. Two American Airlines flights landed this morning.

Delta and United are also resuming some flights this morning.

We are working to get information about Allegiant and Sun Country and will post as soon as we have news to share.

PLEASE REMEMBER: Flight status can change, especially in these uncertain times. Check your flight's status with your airline prior to coming to the airport.

IMPORTANT: We have not been able to update our website. The flight information on the airport website is incorrect.

We have had questions about vehicles in our parking lots. Great news - none of the lots flooded, and cars are fine. Those who could not retrieve their cars due to the storm - stay safe and pick up your car when you are able. The airport has waived the additional fees that would have accumulated for the days during the storm and during this week of recovery.

We expect more relief flights today, which brings much hope.

5 A.M. - Macon County Sheriff's deputy reportedly killed in Helene floodwaters identified

At 9 p.m. Sept. 29, Macon County Sheriff's Office made an emotional post on Facebook about one of its own, who died in flood waters from Hurricane Helene.

"This is one of the most difficult releases we have ever had to make," the post said.

The deputy reportedly died after his truck went under water. According to the post, witnesses saw the truck go under in the river off Fulton Road. The sheriff's office reported the body was recovered and it was Deputy Jim Lau, who was a former deputy in at the Volusia Sheriff's Office in DeLand, Florida.

The Macon County Sheriff's Office post said the initial 911 call came in at 11:30 a.m. on Sept. 27.

"It was soon realized that one of our courthouse security officers, Jim Lau, hadn’t returned to work from lunch and his truck matched description of the truck that was seen in the river. A search effort was initiated that afternoon by multiple emergency service agencies. An on-foot search, drone search and multiple swift-water rescue teams were called in," the post said.

The post said the search was put on hold as the sun set and then started up again on the morning of Sept. 29.

"Jim’s body was found and recovered from the river shortly after the search began," the post said.

Macon County Sheriff's Office said the North Carolina State Highway patrol was the investigating agency for this event, and it is an ongoing investigation.

"Jim was very liked and respected within our department. He was known to be a hard worker, dependable, and he jumped in wherever help was needed. His absence will truly be felt in our agency," the post said. "We ask for prayers for this family and loved ones, and we ask for prayers for our department. Continue to pray for Western North Carolina as a whole; the tragedy that surrounds our mountain communities is unimaginable."

5:30 A.M. - Buncombe County Sheriff's Office warns of Hurricane Helene scams

The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office sent out a news release, warning residents of scammers who may try to scam residents out of their money while giving

"We want to caution everyone about scammers who may try and take advantage of your generosity," the post said. "In the coming days, scammers will likely begin reaching out, in various ways, making the case that they are taking donations for disaster relief. While many of those asking for donations have good and honest intent, others may just be after your money. If you receive a call, text or email requesting donations for those affected by the disaster, make sure you vet the source before sharing any of your financial information."

The sheriff's office said it will never ask for payment or donations over the phone.

Check back here for live updates throughout the day.