@jeanne-mayell I live in WNC, and we are absolutely devastated. Asheville is even WORSE than my county, and I can't even imagine what it will take to get things back to some type of normal there. Our internet, power, and cell phone service is either out, or incredibly spotty. I am only writing this because I have a few minutes via hotspot. My house and cars were flooded, but everyone is safe, and our main living quarters is okay. I would be concerned about anyone from the area right now, but know that there is a real problem with communication, so KMAC may not be able to get to an area with service. Please keep Southern Appalachia in your thoughts. So many people have come by my house to help, and it has been heartwarming. (I cry every.single.time.) So many have lost EVERYTHING and/or loved ones. As the news has been reporting, it was just Biblical in its power and destruction. I live in a flood zone (obviously)- but it reached the 500 year flood level. We still can't believe it. The photo is of my front porch. The river usually can't be viewed from my house. Lots of love to all of you.
Very sorry to hear about all the flooding damage to so many people. Sending love and prayers.
Oh Honeybee, I am so sorry!
So happy to hear you and your family members are ok!
What an ordeal!
When repairing the house please make sure any possible mold issues are address thoroughly.
You are finding so much light!! Light will guide you forward.
May this journey onward be a blessing. Thank you for keeping us informed.
@honeybee sending you loving divine energy to assist you and your family and friends. ❤️
I haven't posted here in a long time, but I still read posts regularly & wanted to check in on other folks who live in or near Asheville, like KMAC. I'm only able to access this site because I left town to recover. She could be okay but without decent cell service--most places are still down. It is also full time work just trying to survive there with no water, electricity, communication, and gasoline is scarce.
My family and I are grateful to have survived. Two trees fell--on landed on the house but appears to be holding and one grazed the other back corner. We could have been crushed inside had they fallen in another way; the house is only 800 square feet. We're still overwhelmed with shock and grief for our beloved city and the surrounding areas, and we are grateful we had the ability to evacuate to gather supplies and strength to prepare to live without running water for the weeks ahead.
Western North Carolina will need support for a long time because we basically need to rebuild our whole infrastructure. It has been amazing to see people everywhere supporting one another in community. Please continue praying for us, and I'll share some links for anyone who would like to make donations to efforts that are actually reaching people. Bless you all.
https://www.buncombecounty.org/countycenter/news-detail.aspx?id=21758
@herondreams The damage to NC is shocking. The area is dear to my heart-- a place of calm and peace (for several reasons).
I am so sorry to hear you also are impacted by Helene but grateful it wasn't worse. What a story!
I can't remember a time where so many for our members were hit so hard by a natural disaster. There may even be more who we don't realize are impacted.
When you are able, see about filling out FEMA paperwork to get help. The roof is one thing they might help with. Chainsaws for the trees too. Food/water aid are others. There is a whole list of things potentially covered.
Please keep us updated . We care. Sending you love. May light continue to guide you.
Although my household had zero damage and zero concerns, there are people in town who are *still* without power. Yet we are in the inland part of northern peninsular Florida- a good 60 miles from Cedar Key!
Yesterday we were having lunch at a nearby cafe and a couple walked in and said "Wow! Power!" This was 4 days after the storm. They said they lived in the city, and they still didn't have power. And today I got a message from a friend (also in the city) wanting to know if a particular event was still on because his neighborhood "looks like a war zone", but at least things were cleared enough so he could drive out, he said. And yesterday there was a fleet of utility trucks from Lubbock, TX, lined up by my house to replace a power pole in the next block. (My neighbor and I thanked them for coming all that way to help.) And the city says it will be weeks before they finish picking up everyone's yard debris.
I'm not whining or "poor-us"ing This area is quite fine all in all. Not having power for a few days is an inconvenience, not a disaster. But it rather startling that it would be this bad in such a protected place that was only side-swiped. This is the worst one to have hit us since Frances in 2004. I hope the Texas utility guys have time and energy to go to NC. I think they need help more than anyone.
@lovendures and others--thank you so much. We are already working on FEMA. Wishing everyone in this forum and everywhere strength and access to the support they need--physically & emotionally.
Hurricane Kirk looks to be a Cat 5 hurricane as well and is heading for Europe bringing storms to the UK. All of the recent Hurricanes have been Cat 4 or higher.... how long will they deny climate change???
Florida get ready for Milton!!!
Tropical Storm Milton is heading to the west coast of Florida where it appears it will be a hurricane crossing through Florida from the Gulf Coast to the Atlantic. Arrival expected Wednesday-Thursday.
https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/150217.shtml?cone#contents
Thinking for all our members and lurkers who are still being impacted by Helene. How are you guys doing today? What's it like where you live now?
Kmac, we pray you are ok and are simply unable to communicate with us right now. We care about you and hope that you are experiencing a time of healing and comfort right now.
Many neighbors lost everything here in Tampa Bay St. Petersburg, a third hurricane is now heading this way with surge and wind. This is terrible for those folks.
I'm sorry to hear about your neighbors. How is your community coming together to support them? It must be quite difficult especillay knowing a new system is on its way. May there be a lot of healing and support for your neighbors and all I'm-acted by Helene. May you all stay safe with Milton headed your way.
My husband is down in the garage right now getting ready for Milton. Getting things off the floor, again, and constructing hoists for our e bikes. We expect a possible category 2 in Tampa/St Pete later in the week. The ground is saturated so 2-4 inches of rain will cause some flooding.
Our church is providing two laundry trailers for anyone to come and wash their clothes free. We are helping people clean out the destruction from houses in neighborhoods near the church. The Red Cross often sets up storm shelters there. We are one of the most progressive, community involved churches in the area. It's very heartening to be a part of something that makes it its business to help.
@lovendures thank you! We are all coming together helping them out :)
Lowtide, stay safe. Looks like it might be a 3 headed right for you guys
Glad you are preparing.
@journeywithme2 Sending thoughts of strength and prayers of protection. I'm in Asheville, NC, and we've had torrential rains for two days and nights and some flooding in the area. My sisters are in metro-Atlanta, and so I'm also jittery for them. I hope this moves through quickly.
Kathleen, we are trying to figure out if you are okay. Please let us know. I have emailed you and am praying you are okay.
@lovendures Thank you! We are packing up and going to Orlando. We are not taking chances with Milton. It sounds like a direct hit here.
I live in Bonita Springs just north of Naples. I’ll be staying with my sister about 4 miles inland in Bonita. I would like to ask the group for prayers of protection for all of us who will be dealing with the storm. Thank you for your kindness.