"FEMA also been accused by former president Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, and other Republicans of not being able to respond well enough to Helene because it had diverted disaster relief funds to help migrants.
That is not true, because while FEMA administers the Shelter and Services Program, funding for it comes from a separate pot of money funded by Congress for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Other false claims that have circulated include that people taking federal relief money could see their land seized or that that $750 is the most they will ever get to rebuild. FEMA has pushed back against the false claims and conspiracy theories, setting up a page on its website to combat misinformation and rumors."
Going to depend how much stronger than the local winds are to a thunderstorm.
Thunderstorms are generally between 39 and 57, with possibilities up to around 74 in gusting. They can also produce “Down Bursts” that get to 100, but are not generally present. This does not include Tornadoes or Derechos. Hurricanes range from 74 to 153+.
So the answer is it really depends on what kind of thunder storm he was in. Chances are on the east coast he was getting no more then 57, the big wind events are generally in the Midwest and Southwest. I’d track down a report of what the wind was, but the office that runs that website is in Asheville, NC and their website is still down.