Often the first connotation when one describes hurricane damage is of tremendous wind and rain buffeting palm trees and coastal properties. Many think of seaside storm surge ravaging beachfront homes and covering harbors. But Hurricane Helene’s most devastating blows landed on western North Carolina’s hill country. Her bruises are still deep hues of black and blue.
The interruption of everyday life has been profound and instant – and has dragged on for nearly a month. Entire towns were flooded from existence. And the washing out of major roads, including sections of I-40, have isolated communities from vital services.
Devastation that would require months of preparation for which to mobilize heaped upon the Appalachian hills in a few hours. There was not a mass evacuation – just astonishment…