Hurricanes, here and in Florida

 Hurricane #1: Helene

As I'm sure all of you know, our area got hit by devastating winds and flooding due to hurricane Helene.  Many of you have inquired as to how we were affected, so I thought I would let you know:

Here in Johnson City, we were not affected at all.  We had three days of deluge, and one day of wind gusts to 60 mph, but our power didn't go out, and there was no flooding.  TVA has dams on the local rivers, and they were able to deal with the rain.  Just a few miles away in the towns on rivers that aren't dam-controlled, there was extensive flooding, loss of power and water, and all the things you have seen and heard about.  The I 26 bridge on the Nolichucky River that was washed out is very close to us--just a few exits up the road.  Of course, North Carolina was the hardest hit.  All those little communities that were washed away or destroyed are very close.  Everyone from the top of the Blue Ridge Parkway down to the Tennessee border is still digging out.  Those that have passable roads are coming here to Johnson City to buy food, gas,  get cash, and have cell service.  Since there is no power, the stores in the mountains are taking cash only, if they are open at all. The first day after the storm, I went to Food City, and it was virtually empty of food.  However, within a day, all stores were restocked, thanks to the amazing response from the parent companies. 

The astounding thing has been the wonderful response from all aspects of society.  Federal, state, and local emergency management people really had their acts together.  The coordination to get food, water, generators, and other emergency aid into the area was astounding.  People have come from all over the country and Canada to help.  Every time we get on I 26, we see power company trucks from far-flung places, trucks hauling earth-moving equipment, and other relief supplies.  National guard and private helicopters bring in aid where the trucks can't reach.  The helicopters brought the wounded here to the hospital in Johnson City, so for a few days, we had constant helicopter traffic over our house. FEMA has been on the ground helping people, setting up centers throughout the area. The World Central Kitchen and other relief organizations have served thousands of hot meals every day--contracting with local restaurants that weren't destroyed to make the food.

Power Company Personnel

Helicopter traffic over Johnson City one day

Mules go where trucks and helicopters can't go.

Highway scene

 

Of course, mountain people are resourceful and civic minded.  They step up to help each other in times of trouble.  Unfortunately, there also is a part of the population that is very suspicious of "the government," so there are awful rumors on social media about FEMA and what it supposedly is or isn't doing.  However, our local, state, and national politicians have been very vocal in their support of FEMA and other federal assistance, asking people to make use of the services and to please stop fear mongering.

It will be years before everything is back to normal, but some towns that had less damage are opening up again.  The Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia reopened; Appalachian State University in Boone, NC welcomed back its students; water lines are being rebuilt and rerouted; temporary bridges are being built; power is being restored.  The resiliency of humankind is remarkable.

Hurricane #2: Milton

As many of you know, my 91-year-old brother Art and his wife Dolores live in Punta Gorda, Florida, which was recently hit by hurricane Milton.  Luckily, they were not in the direct path of the hurricane, but they were in the evacuation area a bit further south.  They wisely chose to go to a daughter's home in Sebring, in central Florida, to ride out the storm.  When they got back home, they found that the power was on, although it had been off for seven hours, and their rental home had no water incursion or damage.  There were lots of downed trees, however, that the HOA and other residents were dealing with.  We are all so thankful that they chose to evacuate and that they suffered no serious effects from the storm.

Art and Dolores: If you want to add anything else from your perspective, feel free to comment.