I wouldn't be so sure about how "solid" the R position is in Western NC.
I know plenty of people in the Franklin/Highlands area who are voting D despite traditionally voting R.
The area still leans red overall, but it is much more purple today than it has been historically. Plenty of people are sick of Trump.
Republicans benefit from low turnout in a political climate like that.
Low voter turnout benefits Republicans.
It's easier to prevent people from voting against you than it is to convert people to vote for you.
The game plan is to ensure chaos continues for the next few weeks until the election, in the hopes that people will be too busy trying to survive than to vote.