The remnants of Helene will push offshore Tuesday as a cold front shifts across the eastern U.S. A late season heat wave continues over parts of central and southern California and the Desert Southwest into Friday. Dry fuels and windy conditions over parts of the northern High… pic.twitter.com/qRLAbxIKlQ
— National Weather Service (@NWS) October 1, 2024
Sam Perkins hiked 11 miles and climbed 2,200 feet to reach his parents’ home in the North Carolina mountains after Hurricane Helene hit the area. The roads were impassable due to the storm’s destruction. “I left my vehicle near a closed highway at the bottom of the mountain and started hiking to my parents’ home,” Perkins said.
He had to cross mudslides, failing roads, and fallen trees during his journey. It took Perkins more than three and a half hours to reach his parents, who are in their 70s. “I have never been so relieved to see anyone OK,” he said.
9/30/24 AM 🏞️⚠️
Many of our local rivers are dealing with minor to moderate flooding in #Helene's wake. Review the impact statements of active Flood Warnings (green) for those who may live along or near these rivers: https://t.co/5Ie8CqnVnm #FLwx #GAwx pic.twitter.com/a3rjfNoHKS
— NWS Tallahassee (@NWSTallahassee) September 30, 2024
Nice column by @nrhoneajc of the Atlanta Journal Constitution @ajc and thanks for the mentionshttps://t.co/k973Wj6GOo
— Dr. Marshall Shepherd (@DrShepherd2013) September 29, 2024
His parents had food but were running out of water, though they had enough propane to boil water when needed. After making sure his parents were safe, Perkins hiked back down the mountain to avoid using their limited supplies. He managed to hitch a ride on an undamaged section of the road.
My detailed thoughts in Forbes dot com on #HurricaneHelene. I discuss the forecast, risk communication, public perception and more. This is longer than my usual article but I had a lot to say. Mentions @jfrickuga @BMcNoldy Tom Motehttps://t.co/7wySw9JCBz
— Dr. Marshall Shepherd (@DrShepherd2013) September 28, 2024
In McDowell County, over 20 air rescues have been conducted due to heavy rains causing the Swannanoa River to overflow. Jim and Allie Bourdy lost everything when floodwaters surged into their home in Beacon Village.
Hiking to help family in mountains
“We lost literally everything,” Jim Bourdy said. They climbed onto their neighbor’s roof for safety and were later rescued by a neighbor with a kayak. Many in the community are still without power, running water, or cell reception.
Asheville resident Meredith Keisler is collecting firewood to cook food. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” she said. Michelle Coleman, executive director of the Asheville Dream Center, described the situation as the most devastating she’s seen in the city.
“Our prayer is that people are just not losing hope because our community is coming together. Asheville is a strong community,” she said. Gary O’Dell, a disabled Vietnam War veteran in East Asheville, praised his neighbors for their assistance.
“The neighbors have been great. We have a good neighborhood,” he said. Volunteers like Lucy Tavernier are helping with cleanup efforts, although the area still looks “like the bottom of a river,” with litter, trees, and mud everywhere.
