I'm Back

Greetings readers! Much has happened since my last blog on September 23rd.

First, Hurricane Helene struck Florida, then traveled northward, continuing through Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and western North Carolina. The precursor rains in the Carolinas and Tennessee precipitated havoc when Helene arrived by the “brown-ocean effect.”

We were fortunate to live just east of Boone, NC, where the major storm had reached. We had over 11.62 inches of rain in 24 hours, but here at our home’s mountaintop location, there was no flooding. Our community egress road exits onto a small country road that travels along a “run” (Appalachian word for creek) before it reaches Rt 421. The run flooded that road and its bridge. Thanks to our community leaders’ foresight, we have a secondary emergency exit directly onto Rt 421, so we were not trapped.

Winds brought down many trees, and then trees continued to fall due to oversaturated ground and pine’s shallow roots. A small landslide dislodged a sizable boulder. Our road crew, assisted by other men from the mountain, worked aggressively to clear the 30 miles of roads.

We lost power for a four-hour, then eight-hour period, but not long enough to cause food spoilage in our refrigerator or freezer. As the storm raged north, I expected a power outage, so I pre-charged a small inverter and CPAP batteries and set up lanterns and flashlights around the house. In addition, since we are reliant on a well for water, I filled buckets for flushing and gathered potable water stores.

The largest impact we sustained was the loss of phone and internet access. We only had one outside contact for over 48 hours. Fortunately, I had done the iPhone 18.0 update, which integrated satellite calling when off the grid. I could reach family in Raleigh for a quick call by standing outside in the rain and wind for a brief period. What we underwent were “first-world problems” compared to others.

Western NC suffered immeasurable loss, cut off by flooding, landslides, and road collapses. Many citizens remain powerless. Private individuals rallied, bringing in water, food, baby and pet supplies by helicopters. Hundreds of Starlink terminals were delivered, donated by charitable persons and Elon Musk himself. Starlink service is currently free for those in the affected areas. Over ten days later, we still hear frequent helicopter overflights.

NC National Guard responded (as well as out-of-state NG from Texas, Florida, and others), and finally, after several days, 1000 troops from Fort Liberty (Fort Bragg) were called up to supplement non-governmental efforts. Soldiers were initially on standby for possible Middle East deployment.

Some small towns remain isolated and have not yet gotten any help except by mule trains and family members traveling by ATVs over perilous forest grounds. Sadly, FEMA has provided little help, and by reports of boots on the ground may be hindering efforts.

Western NC is desperate now, but the needs of those who have lost their homes will worsen as cold weather approaches. This link, Hurricane Helene Relief Resources for Appalachia, provides valuable information about losses and ongoing efforts, as well as a donation page.

In addition, for those in the Boone, NC area, the above photo lists local outreach options.

And why haven’t I blogged earlier? We were out of town last week, visiting friends and family in Pittsburgh and Ohio. I had planned to pre-schedule a post before our departure, but with all of the hubbub, it didn't happen. I apologize if I worried any of my long-time readers.

Did you or your loved ones suffer any personal or property damages from the Hurricane? I hope they are receiving help. For those who live in Florida, it appears they are about to get a one-two punch from the looming Hurricane Milton. Be safe out there!

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