Settle in for a long post, I have much to tell you all. If it is too much to read, just skip down to the last two paragraphs. Hurricane Helene hit our area with devastating force starting Thursday night and continuing well into Friday, causing massive damage, flooding and power outages all over Western North Carolina, and five more states. Thankfully, our home was spared severe damage. We only have some damage to a gutter and a bent fence section, along with a huge amount of debris to clean up. About a dozen trees are down in our forest, but all fell away from the house. The driveway and meadow are covered in leaves and twigs. Follow the driveway down and you’ll see one of the trees on a power line.
Four trees came down over our one lane road leading to the main road. Four others are down taking out power lines with them, but off the street. This one took part of the one lane road with it, along with a portion of the power line. This is in a neighbor’s yard.
Another tree down on power lines on our road.
My Sweet Babboo and our neighbors pitched in to clear one huge tree blocking the road to the three homes at the end of the dead end street. Two neighbors used their small chain saws, and everyone else helped move branches, then the end of that tree was chained to a neighbors truck and pulled to the side of the road so we could squeeze by.
The next day they tackled the other three or four trees blocking the road near the turn to get to the main road. You can get a sense of how big these are by looking at our neighbor with his chain saw.
A day later we had a path cut through, big enough for one car at a time.
Huge logs were moved to the side with another neighbors tractor.
But there were thousands of downed trees all over town, and flooded sections of streets leading into town made getting anywhere difficult. Getting around town on Sunday was a challenge, with trees down blocking lanes like this one. We wouldn’t have gone out at all, but the generator needed oil. We were lucky to find it at an auto parts store with no line.
Cars waited for a break in oncoming traffic to take turns going around the blockages.
Some spots had multiple blockages in both lanes creating a serpentine path.
Dead power lines dangled from trees suspended over the road, anchored to the other side by the mountain terrain. This road was still under water, so we ended up turning around and going through this spot again in the other direction.
This was the main road from our street into town, another big blockage of a lane.
Sinkholes are opening up creating dangerous road conditions in spots.
For 3 days, businesses were mostly closed due to power outages. Two grocery stores with very long lines, one hardware store, and a few gas stations, or convenience stores were open. Hospitals were on generator power, some running out of food. But FEMA is here, the National Guard is here, and they are working as hard as they can to supply water and food to affected areas. Chinook helicopters go overhead with regularity, bringing water and food to distribution sites at church parking lots, fairgrounds, and shopping centers. There is one just over the top of the tree in the middle of the photo.
Power is out in a widespread area, but we have a generator which helps with basic electrical needs like the refrigerator and freezer, and our well pump. It is getting better as the days go on. Many cell towers are not functioning, so we have spotty phone connection at the house. Tuesday night, a mudslide took out another cell tower so we were out of coverage for another day. We are on a rural road, and not a priority for the county, so we don’t expect to have service back anytime soon. I will not be able to answer your comments, nor post again for several days. I could get to a hot spot for a little time today to do this post, let you all know what is happening and share some photos.
Our days have settled into a basic routine. In order to conserve oil for the generator, we are only running it 10 hours a day. We turn it on in the early morning, and I can make breakfast and get an update on news. Then I go to the sewing room for a bit. Before the storm, I moved most of my potted plants to the Carolina Room to protect them. I only moved the ones that would survive the winter.
After lunch, we turn off the generator, and I do handwork or read for four hours. Sitting in what became an atrium, it is a pleasant place to spend time while the power is off.
We sit on the sofa with the windows open where there is abundant light and a fresh breeze. Then we turn the generator back on for the evening for about 5 hours. We turn it off again at bedtime.
There are things that the news doesn’t tell you. In addition to the problems of power and water, there are multiple other issues we have found this week. First, some people are idiots. They are not treating signal outages as four way stops, barreling through when it isn’t their turn. The number of traffic accidents from this is simply staggering, taking valuable resources away from the recovery effort. Three cars were involved in a collision in a lane next to us on Sunday, because a moron didn’t stop. The second thing is yellow jackets. Mean and aggressive, they have been flooded out of their nests, and are making new nests in downed trees. My husband has been stung twice this week as he helped to clear the road. They are everywhere right now, and I had to remove the remaining flowering plants from the veranda so we could use the grill to cook food. Thirdly, many of the few stores that were open were only taking cash, but the banks are not open. No power means ATMs don’t work either. Luckily, I always have a little cash at the house, so we could pay for the food we needed yesterday.
The news doesn’t say what is open, where the power is restored or is still off, so I started a text chain to ask friends what is happening in their area. When we got out on Wednesday, we texted everything we found like traffic signals working or still out, stores open or closed, and where we found milk and bread. It is neighbor helping neighbor, friends sharing information, and trying to do what we can to help in our tiny neighborhood. My husband has spent hours getting two of our neighbor’s generators working. We have another neighbors breast milk in our freezer as they have no power at all. We are filling water containers for neighbors until they can get back to work or get their well pumps working. It has brought our tiny community together, with each giving what we can.
The devastation is catastrophic. Asheville has lost the outflow lines from their main reservoir (both the main lines and the back up lines) to the treatment plant, so most of Asheville does not have water. It will be weeks before it is restored. Henderson County is on a boil water advisory. It made us so grateful to have a well! Traffic lights are still not functioning in major parts of the town. Most of the roads have had the trees moved off to the side of the road, but there are still places where a lane is blocked. Flooding was horrendous, but the waters have mostly receded in our area leaving behind mud and debris. The small town of Chimney Rock is gone, all those charming little shops and restaurants that were next to the river are piles of debris. A large section of Interstate 40 was washed away about 3 miles from the Tennessee border.
But there is light. Here in Henderson County, things are getting better. Almost every street in the main parts of town are now clear, even if debris is stacked up on the side of the road. Stores are open, and restocking. Lines are much shorter as of yesterday. It was sad to see the empty coolers and freezers, as all that food had to be thrown away. But the stockers were putting milk and butter in the coolers, and bread on shelves. We are not seeing shortages in food, just time to get the restocking done. Gas stations have gas, and lines are much shorter there too. Most traffic lights are back, thank heaven, which has mitigated the accidents. The banks are open today, so people can get cash. And power is coming back which means more stores will once again take credit cards for payment.
I want you to know that Mary has texted me that there are a lot of Facebook posts giving support, asking how to help. Although I haven’t been able to see those yet, I promise I will as soon as I can. I have seen 83 comments on my last blog post, and I cannot tell you how much those comments mean to me. Truly, I was in tears, your outpouring of concern, prayers and offers of help are so heartwarming and amazing, thank you!
So many have asked how to help, and I can give you two ways. First, our local city government is taking donations which will go to restoration of our town, and its infrastructure along with helping those less fortunate than I am with emergency shelter, water and food. See that on this website – http://www.hendersonvillenc.gov and click on Tropical Storm Helene Updates. Donations to that fund stay right here in our county. Those who want to help by making quilts, something we are really good doing, I will take any you wish to send in any size (my address is on my About Me page). There are several organizations here that are collecting items for people who have lost everything. I can deliver quilts to an appropriate outreach charity organization here. Thank you all for asking, you cannot know how emotionally touching your support means to me. I truly have no words.
The main thing is we are safe, and can manage better than most. I don’t have power for my stove / oven or washer / dryer, but I do have a microwave, small appliances and a grill to cook a meal. Now that we have cleaned up what we can on our property, I can sew, watch DVDs, get local news with our antenna, make a meal and read. I’ve been getting a bit creative with cooking lately, LOL! For the present, I cannot respond to your comments, but sometimes I can see the blog as a viewer like you do, and I can read the comments. I am working on Fall Fortnight, and I hope to be back with you all soon.
From My Carolina Home 
Praying for all of you in the affected areas. Glad you are safe. Appreciated the update and photos. Take care ❤️
I’m so thankful that you are safe! Storms can often pull people together!
Thakns once again for the update, Carole. You have been much in my thoughts as we watch the news and social media reports. Glad you are coping and that progress is eing made little by little.
I am so relieved to hear from you. You have been in my thoughts the last few days. Glad you are able to get what you need and have such amazing neighbors.
i’m glad to hear the heroic efforts in your community. Keep well and safe. thanks for the link to aid agency.
I am not on social media but I am relieved that you are managing well.
bee stings are horrible.
All of this is horrible. I am so sorry this happened. Nature is cruel.
I always look at the east coastal regions and the mountainous regions as well on our eastern side of the country. Our entire eastern coast line is jagged, and that just reminds us that these storms are far and few for a generation but for many generations there have been devastating weather events.
I know both of you have your wits about you, and I am thankful and prayerful that you can contribute to others.
I just sent a donation to your local website for Henderson County.
Stay well, keeping busy is good.
So happy to hear from you and to know that you are safe and able to join with neighbors to survive this. We’ve been praying for all of you down there and everyone is giving what they can and there are many collections going on to bring goods down south as well. There have been a few new members joining your FaceBook group “Friends of My Carolina Home Blog” too 🙂
Good to read that you have enough facilities to get you through the day. Thinking of you all at this sad time for your area ❤
Thanks for the update, although it is so hard to hear. We went through much the same thing here in Florida some years back so I know what it is like. The best thing to come out of such a disaster is all the good feels from neighbors pulling together and helping one another. And, it does get better, but is a long hard haul. Big hugs and continued prayers for all.
Thanks for giving us a first-hand account of the situation in NC. Hard to get my head around how Helene so affected an inland mountain area…an area that we thought was safe and insulated from severe hurricane damage.
It is sad to see the stories and pictures on the news of those who have lost their loved ones and belongings. The devastation to whole towns was inconceivable before Helene. I think Helene will be a dividing point in time…before Helene and after Helene.
Praying for you and yours as well as your neighbors, the helpers and others affected! Will send a donation to the place you mentioned.
Hang in there. Things will get better.
You are continuing insurance thoughts & prayers. Glad you & your neighbors are supporting one another & are settling into a new daily routine. It will be a long recovery. We had heard the yellow jackets have become a problem. Didn’t think of that being a post hurricane problem. Stay positive!
Carole, Oh my, what a horrible time for all of you in the path of Helene. Thanks for keeping us updated. I expected to see some beauty showing through all the destruction and there it was in your special places (The Carolina room!) Be careful as the two of you continue to help the others in need. Love and prayers to all, Lenora and Larry
Thanks for sharing your story and for giving an update about your community. It’s difficult to know which organizations to donate to because it’s imperative to get money to the people in need quickly. Thanks for sharing your link, and I will talk to my family about donating tonight.
(((((hugs))))),
Ricki Jill
oh Carole …
have thought about you so much through all of this….
glad to hear you are safe ….
we live in heavy tornado area …so know how a freezer & grill …and water WELL are a safety net ….
one day at a time !!!
prayers for your entire community 💕
Oh my. Thank you for this post, which really puts a lot into perspective. I am happy that you were not one of the worst hit. Thanks for the suggestions of what to do to help.
You all are truly The Helpers. I sew wish the national press was covering MORE positive reports like yours. BLESS YOU ALL and thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the update. I have friends in Franklin and right in Asheville. Like you, they have little home damage and are safe. I hope this disaster is a wake-up call to everyone, everywhere, to be prepared for a possible disaster, by having cash stashed away, bottled water and non-perishable food on hand. Stay safe and don’t worry about us. We’ll be here when you’re back online.
Thank you for letting your followers like me know you and your family are safe and ok. Thank you also for the link to make a donation to Hendersonville recovery. Many of us have looked for ways we can help. I also made a donation through my church to UMCOR. Continued prayers for everyone in Helene’s path.
so glad you took the time for an update. How wonderful that your neighbors and community are working together. Thank you for the info on ways to help.
Sending many prayers and thoughts your way and to your neighbors as well. Isn’t it something how when disaster strikes, people can pull together to help one another. It’s just a shame that it takes something like this to see the good in other people. I’ve already made a donation to Samaritian’s Purse, a charity that I firmly believe in. Franklin Graham and his workers are a Godsend. I wish I would have known that there was a way to contribute to your community before I made this donation. Perhaps I can help in another way. Take care, Carole, and thank you for keeping us informed. We all care!! God Bless!
Sending many prayers and thoughts your way and to your neighbors as well. Isn’t it something how when disaster strikes, people can pull together to help one another. It’s just a shame that it takes something like this to see the good in other people. I’ve already made a donation to Samaritian’s Purse, a charity that I firmly believe in. Franklin Graham and his workers are a Godsend. I wish I would have known that there was a way to contribute to your community before I made this donation. Perhaps I can help in another way. Take care, Carole, and thank you for keeping us informed. We all care!! God Bless!
happy you are safe
I am so grateful that you are safe and doing as well as can be hoped during these challenging days. As always, you amaze and inspire me.
Thank you for serving your community/neighbors and making the time to update here.
Carole, you and all the folks
Thanks for the update, Carole. The devastation is horrific. I am glad you and your husband are ok and getting by/making do. Thanks for the suggestions as to what we can do to be helpful. Restoration of basic services is critical but usually slow. Every little improvement lifts spirits overall tho. As does neighbors helping neighbors. Take care.
so glad to hear things are getting better and that neighbors are helping neighbors it is the only way things will get done the damage was so wide spread that people can’t just sit back and expect the national guard to get it done themselves although I head the government has authorize about a thousand of the army to come in and help too – I might no have that number right but I thought I read that somewhere. It was a very good idea to bring most of the plants inside. You get good light there on your veranda to sew by. Good luck, stay healthy and we are all thinking of you and others out there in the areas struck.
Carole, it’s so great to hear how you are doing and how things are going in your area. Sounds like neighbors are helping neighbors and that is always the amazing thing about events like these. Keeping you in my thoughts!
Posts like yours are so crucial for seeing what is really going on. Thank you for sharing your journey and being so generous and helpful with others who are totally lost. It warms my soul to know that everyone is helping one another as best they can. I hope and pray for everyone’s safety and that your generosity of spirit continues to inspire others. You are accomplishing miracles.
I’m so glad you and your husband are doing as well as you are. I was pretty horrified to read about the yellow jackets. They are aggressive in the calmest of circumstances, so I cannot imagine how awful it is to deal with them all riled up. It is heart-warming to read about how your community is taking care of its residents. I’m looking forward to reading your next post. Best wishes.
Glad y’all are safe and have arrangements in place to be able to function. All these disasters have gotten my husband and I thinking about things we need to set up in case. We have a freezer full of food, but a few years back, we had a weeklong ice storm in Texas that shut down power. Hard to cook frozen food with no power…. Thankfully, we are on the same part of the power grid with the water treatment plant, so we never lost power. But, that won’t always be the case. We have to bags ready if we need to flee, cash if we need it, and generators…but there are other things you need if you are stuck at home. Makes you really think….
So nice to get the update and we made a donation to World Kitchen, hope to feed folks in Asheville. Its so wonderful of you to offer water to those without a well and the ability to pump water. Kindness gets kindness. We are here for your community and others who are effected. Prayers for your continued safety.
Thank you so much, yes World Kitchen is here!
Good to know your neighborhood is not displaced. From my past experience, those electric line worker guys are “Rock Stars” and power will be restored before long.
My Mother had a rule when weather looked stormy and it was “I don’t care if you’re in your clothes or pajamas but WEAR SHOES”. This rule I’ve passed on to my children and I’ve been in a house when the weather broke windows and there was glass flying everywhere but I had protection for my feet. (Thank you, Mom)
Wow, that is unreal. Glad to know you’re safe. How cool that you’ve been innovative about networking with your neighbors and that people have been pitching in. Those pictures… and the stories. Take care!
Oh gosh Carole it sounds so awful and yet, you still sound upbeat. I read that your area was one of those not hit as hard, but still…Mother Nature sure can deliver a wallop! All that you described must have been so scary to experience and live through. I hadn’t thought of so many issues you raised like ATM’s not having power, so cash is needed for supplies. I didn’t ever think about stinging wasps that are dislocated and looking for revenge. Sinkholes never occurred to me from all the saturation and excess water. I also never thought about the need for constant refrigeration for certain folks, like a nursing mother. The idea of rationing power is something we rarely need to encounter, yet it does happen more and more lately. Our NJ area went through Hurricane Sandy and power was out for several days. We all managed, but it was not as significant as what hit your area. Certainly your state was dealt an unprecedented blow from a particularly strong hurricane. I’m glad you’re providing updates so we can get a better picture of what others are going through. I’m just grateful you and your hubby are Ok with little damage to your property. You both seem so resilient and caring. While the helping of others is not surprising knowing all the charitable work you regularly do, it is still so remarkable. I am so humbled, impressed and in awe of your willingness to step up. You really do embody the term “good neighbors!”
So good to hear from you again. Glad to know that you are being watched over and you are managing to keep an open, postive attitude. Your Sweet Baboo is doing an exceptional job of helping others. Prayers are still going out to you both and your neighbors until all the mess can be cleaned up and electricity & water is restored.
I am glad to read how you all are doing. My heart breaks to read some of the terrible stories. You all are in my prayers. Hugs, Sandi
Carole, I am so glad you were not so devastated as so many in in you area were. Even though I am in Ohio many of us did suffer from tree damage. Some of the corn fields were just leveled from the winds. We have been in a drought condition for several months. So the rain was welcomed, but for you people in the Carolinas suffered so much more. I thought about you so much and prayed you would not be in the condition that the people of Ashville were. Thanks so much for keeping your followers informed.
Take care.
Marilyn
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Thank you for the update, Carole. It’s good to hear the details, and how you are working through this trial, helping one another. Praying for continued progress. Our daughter is at Excel College in Black Mountain. They are all hands on deck working.
Glad to hear things are moving in the right direction and that your community is working together to help each other. Don’t worry about responding to comments we are just glad that you are able to check in and let us know how it’s going.
I am so glad to read this update, Carole. I have been so concerned about you and your husband. This tragedy is heart breaking. Continued prayers for all of our fellow Southerners who have lost loved ones, their homes, and
businesses!
So glad to read your story – even more so that ya’all are OK. It’s so sad what’s happened there? I live in tornado alley so know what devastion can happen. Will be praying for all. HUGS from Edmond, OK..
No need to reply….I am grateful to hear your update and glad you are doing as well as can be expected. This was a crazy, devastating storm for so many.
I am glad to read how you all are doing. My heart breaks to read some of the terrible stories. You all are in my prayers. Hugs, Sandi
What a time you are your community are going through, plus the wider area too of course. My thoughts are with you.
Oh Carole, I have been so worried about you! I’m glad you are ok and managing. Everyday the news and photos get worse and the death toll is still rising. My heart is broken for all those who are suffering and have lost so much. Prayers, prayers and prayers…I have donated and plan to donate again today, stay strong…
Jenna
Thank You for sharing this information. It made me cry and also gave me hope. I will pray for you and yours. Thank You
I have a quilt to send and will get it
That is a great summary of what is happening. Thank you for the information.
It is wonderful to see the community working together to help.
And it also shows how we all need to be prepared. Who would have thought a hurricane would hit so far in from the coast?
I still can’t imagine the damage and loss. It is so vast that it is incomprehensible. All those beautiful little towns lost. It is going to be a massive task to rebuild.
I am so pleased to hear that aid is getting through from the various departments.
It is also interesting to read about the other aspects you have listed. No access to cash, the yellow jackets (ouch) and the driving behaviour.
Until a few years ago I was unaware that so many people are on well water and of course power is needed to pump.
Stay safe and take care.
Thank you for the update. I look at pictures and just cannot fathom the damage and loss. I donated through the link you provided. I am getting several quilts together and will send them soon. Keeping all impacted in my prayers.
dear Carole. Thank you for you update. You all have been through so much. Love from Queensland Australia. Glad that everyone is helping each other. Sometimes it takes disaster for people to gather together. Regardless of colour. Religion or other stuff that divides. Strengthens communities.
Collecting quilts 4 u, 20+ how 2 get to you or post office? Working on it
Glad you are safe.