Hurricane Helene has wreaked havoc in North Carolina, particularly affecting the small town of Spruce Pine, which is home to crucial quartz mines vital for AI chip production and semiconductor manufacturing. The storm has reportedly killed dozens and caused considerable destruction, blocking access to these essential resources. Analysts warn that this disruption could have far-reaching implications for the global automotive industry, with companies like Intel potentially facing severe consequences. The full impact of Helene's devastation on the already strained semiconductor supply chain remains unclear, but experts predict it could lead to increased inflation and significant challenges for the tech industry.