Western North Carolina – Thoughts on Helene…

On By Barbara StroudIn North Carolina, Photograph, THOUGHTS, weather

Almost all of us have witnessed the endless images of destruction from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene. Helene came onshore as a Category 4 hurricane near Cape Fear, FL on September 26, 2024 – a few short days ago. From there the devastation continued through Georgia, South Carolina and Western North Carolina… In Charleston, Helene passed as a tropical storm from quite a distance away, but the wind effects felt stronger and lasted longer than some hurricanes in recent memory.

Charleston was on the East (“dirty side” which is the “tornado side”) side of the storm. We fared well compared to the upstate region of South Carolina (Greenville and surrounding areas) – but the brunt (in the Carolinas) was felt in Western North Carolina. The images are heartbreaking. So much flooding, rushing water, homes moved, people on roofs awaiting rescue. I’ve read of so many people searching for their loved ones to see if they’re ok. All roads are closed unless emergency. So many are washed away or in need of a lot of repair.

I’ve also seen compassion, caring, willingness to help others in any way possible. A stark reminder of the days following hurricane Hugo in Charleston in 1989.

We all need to keep our eye out for how to help these people. When the businesses get going again, we need to buy our Christmas gifts, necessities and anything else FROM these businesses that are going through such a horrific time right now. Makes donations (be sure to find good sources to donate to).

North Carolina, especially the Appalachian region is filled with so many really good, hard working people. This isn’t the norm high in the mountains, they don’t expect tropical storms and this kind of hot mess.

Let’s do what we can, for North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. It takes an army, and this is going to be so much work and TIME. This kind of devastation isn’t cleaned up quickly, nor should it be. Not to mention those who are cleaning up are also dealing with the same losses, which only compounds the problem.

#helpeachother #dowhatyoucan

*Last day of September! One day closer to the end of hurricane season!

🌀 Until next time…

3 thoughts on “Western North Carolina – Thoughts on Helene…”

    1. Yes, I know and it’s heartbreaking. To see what’s happening and the true goodness of people donating, collecting, flying in helicopters with supplies, providing food, water, a place to stay is heartwarming. @opairdrop and the many brave souls collecting and taking the bare necessities to the areas that need it are a blessing. The area I’m referring to is in the mountains and many roads and bridges are gone. Water scarce, non-existent or under a boil water advisory without a way to let people know. I mention it specifically (in addition to Asheville) because those are the places where we have been. We know a lot of the people and genuinely care about the area. Money, food, water, baby formula among so many things like gas and water are a necessity right now. Prayers? ABSOLUTELY!!!

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