Fact Check: Did Nicholas Sparks's novel predict Hurricane Helene? Viral rumor debunked

Recently, a viral rumor has circulated claiming that Nicholas Sparks's novel Counting Miracles, released on September 24, 2024, predicted the arrival of Hurricane Helene, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean in September 2024.

On October 4, 2024, social media users took to various platforms in disbelief and amusement, claiming that Nicholas Sparks's novel predicted Hurricane Helene, which hit the United States on September 27, 2024, just three days after the book's release. Many users were shocked and curious, wondering how the author could have known about the impending hurricane.

However, it has been established that this claim is untrue, as the Hurricane Helene mentioned in Nicholas Sparks's novel refers to the storm that occurred in 1958, which coincidentally shares the same name.

Hurricane Helene was a significant Atlantic storm that made landfall in the United States on September 27, 2024. As a Category 4 hurricane, it brought powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and severe flooding to several coastal regions, leading to widespread damage and prompting evacuation orders, according to World Weather Attribution.

Moreover, the death toll has reached up to 227. As per FEMA, more than $344 million in federal disaster assistance has been provided to help individuals and families affected by a disaster affecting approximately 375,000 households.

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False claim: Nicholas Sparks's novel predicted Hurricane Helene

User's false claim about Hurricane Helene (Image via TikTok/@luvinahola)

As previously stated, the claim made by social media users regarding Nicholas Sparks's novel is untrue. The passage referenced by users suggested that Hurricane Helene unleashed massive rainfall and caused significant destruction. The passage in question reads as follows:

"In September, only a month after Audrey had left, Hurricane Helene unleashed massive rainfall and a nearby creek in Asheboro quickly rose to dangerous levels."

However, a key factor rendering this claim false is that the author mentioned "Asheboro" in the passage. In contrast, Asheville was the city affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024. This distinction underscores the inaccuracy of the claim.

Another piece of evidence disproving this claim is that, in Nicholas Sparks's novel, the character Jasper is described as being 65 years old in the present day. The novel also mentions that during the flashback to Hurricane Helene, Jasper was 18 years old. This timeline places the storm in 1958, aligning with the 1958 Hurricane Helene, not the 2024 event.

Finally, a crucial point that discredits these claims is that neither the author nor the publisher has addressed the rumors, confirming that the claims are unfounded.

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Nicholas Sparks discusses his newest work — Counting Miracles

On October 8, 2024, in a conversation with ABC 7 New York, the 58-year-old American novelist and screenwriter reflected on his new work, Counting Miracles, and suggested that it is a book that will help readers find where they belong.

Nicholas Sparks further said that the novel accomplishes multiple things — it explores themes, evokes emotions, or imparts deeper messages with "some excitement" in it.

"Finding a place where you belong. It's a study of grief. It's not everything works out in your life. This is a novel that does all that while giving you a love story. And I've got some excitement in there. The pages should turn fast, and hopefully people will love it by the end," Sparks said.

Furthermore, speaking about Counting Miracles, the writer suggested this will be an unforgettable novel for its readers. Also, it suggests that the novel builds anticipation and makes readers curious about how the story will resolve, making them look forward to the ending.

"It's a story you're going to remember forever. It's one where you want to see the end coming," Sparks added.

According to ABC 7 New York, Counting Miracles hit #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list. According to the author, the novel explores the possibility of finding peace with the paths and decisions we have taken and even the potential to change them. It is set in the heart of North Carolina — Asheboro.

The book is available on Nicholas Sparks' official website, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Apple Books, bookshops, and UK retailers.