Surviving Hurricane Helene: A Firsthand Account

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What Actually Happened in Asheville: A Hurricane Helene Story

The Bergamot

Oct 5, 2024

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News & Politics

Hurricane Helene caused severe disruption in Asheville

  1. Nathaniel and Jillian, full-time musicians and filmmakers known as 'The Bergamot,' were en route to an artist residency in Charlotte, North Carolina, when they stopped in Asheville on September 25th.
  2. Unexpectedly, Hurricane Helene, initially predicted to hit Florida and dissipate, changed course and struck Asheville, causing severe weather conditions including heavy rain and strong winds.
  3. The couple experienced terrifying conditions as they drove through the storm, with their windshield wipers malfunctioning, making visibility difficult.
  4. Upon reaching Asheville, they found themselves in the midst of the hurricane, losing power in their hotel and witnessing significant flooding and damage, including a large tree blocking their car's exit.
  5. As the city declared a state of emergency, roads were flooded, and the French Broad River overflowed, trapping them in Asheville temporarily.
  6. Despite the chaos, they attempted to drive to Charlotte, facing closed roads and debris, with winds reaching 80 to 100 miles per hour.
  7. The experience was exhausting and disorienting, with Nathaniel and Jillian navigating through uprooted trees and submerged roads, highlighting the hurricane's devastating impact.

Community support during Hurricane Helene

  1. The conversation captures a chaotic scene during Hurricane Helene, with people trying to navigate flooded areas and find safety. The speakers are concerned about oncoming traffic and the rising water levels, indicating the severity of the situation.
  2. They observe significant flooding, with buildings like a Dairy Queen submerged underwater, and vehicles, including trucks, lost in the floodwaters. This highlights the extent of the damage caused by the hurricane.
  3. Communication is severely hindered as both speakers' phones are down, leaving them unable to access information about road closures. They decide to rely on truckers for updates, as they are likely to know which roads are passable.
  4. The gas station they encounter has no power, adding to the chaos as people are stranded without resources. The speakers note the parking lot is full, indicating many others are in the same predicament.
  5. Jillian attempts to gather information from others, but the lack of phone service makes it difficult. They decide to move to higher ground to avoid the rising waters, emphasizing the urgency of their situation.
  6. They find a temporary safe spot at a high point, considering it as a potential parking spot for the night. The area is crowded with others seeking refuge, showing a communal effort to stay safe.
  7. Despite the dire circumstances, there is a sense of community among the stranded individuals. People are checking on each other, offering food and drinks, and ensuring everyone is okay, regardless of their backgrounds.
  8. The speakers mention a single mother with a child, highlighting the vulnerability of some individuals in the situation. The shared experience fosters a sense of unity and mutual support among those affected by the hurricane.

Unprecedented flooding in Asheville during Helene

  1. The conversation begins with Nathaniel discussing the possibility of trying to get home as his map updates, showing a potential open back path. However, the situation is dire due to an unprecedented 100-year flood, forcing them to consider spending the night where they are.
  2. Nathaniel describes the flood as something he has never seen before, with water creeping up the hill and blocking their path. They narrowly escaped being trapped by the rising waters, highlighting the severity of the situation.
  3. The group witnesses a rescue operation at a gas station they were previously at, emphasizing the rapid and dangerous escalation of the floodwaters. Nathaniel expresses disbelief and fear at the unfolding events.
  4. A curfew is in place, and they have limited time to access the internet. They return to their hotel, observing long lines at one of the few open gas stations, indicating widespread panic and scarcity of resources.
  5. Old Europe, a local shop, is providing free water and food to people, showcasing community support amidst the crisis. However, the lack of National Guard presence, water, cell service, and other basic amenities exacerbates the situation.
  6. The group struggles with basic needs, such as finding a place to use the bathroom, due to the lack of water and facilities. They resort to using Wi-Fi at a Moxy Hotel to communicate with family, marking the first time they have internet access in days.
  7. The narrative concludes with them securing some food and water from a grocery store, planning to stay put for another day as they assess the situation and wait for safe passage out of Asheville.

Hurricane Helene caused severe damage in Asheville

  1. The conversation begins with directions being discussed, indicating the chaos and confusion in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The mention of I-85 and I-26 suggests the need for evacuation routes.
  2. Jillian and a friend discuss the severe impact on the Biltmore area, including loss of water due to contamination and power outages, highlighting the widespread infrastructure damage.
  3. The friend describes driving over numerous downed power lines, emphasizing the extensive damage to the power grid and the danger posed by the storm.
  4. Jillian and the friend discuss the water situation in Asheville, noting that while water is available, it lacks pressure and cleanliness due to contamination, particularly in the River Arts District.
  5. The conversation reveals that the River Arts District was severely affected, with contamination from sewage, and a levee was intentionally breached to prevent further flooding.
  6. Jillian and Nathaniel discuss their plans to leave Asheville at daybreak, indicating the urgency and necessity of evacuation due to deteriorating conditions.
  7. The atmosphere in Asheville is described as tense, with people at a gas station showing signs of stress and frustration, reflecting the strain on resources and the community.
  8. Nathaniel notes the scarcity of water and food, and the growing frustration among people, which contributes to the unsafe environment, prompting their decision to leave.
  9. The group plans to leave in a caravan with friends, ensuring they have enough fuel and supplies for the journey, highlighting the need for preparation and cooperation in crisis situations.

Evacuation challenges during Hurricane Helene

  1. Jillian describes the dire situation in Asheville, NC, during Hurricane Helene, highlighting the lack of water, food, and internet. The National Guard is expected to arrive, but uncertainty looms over their arrival time.
  2. The hotel where Jillian and others are staying is evacuating guests due to the water shortage, leaving them with nowhere to go. They plan to join a caravan to leave the area.
  3. The caravan, which includes a wedding party, plans to drive to Charlotte, NC. They have a little over half a tank of gas, which should be enough to reach their destination.
  4. At 6:31 AM, the caravan begins its journey out of Asheville, hoping for a safe passage. They pray for protection as they embark on the highway for the first time in 48 hours.
  5. Jillian notes the challenges of keeping the caravan together due to lack of communication, as some cars are low on gas and need to stop for refueling.
  6. The group encounters closed gas stations and long lines at ATMs, complicating their evacuation efforts. Abandoned cars are seen along the route, adding to the chaos.
  7. The caravan faces confusion as some members take wrong turns while trying to find gas, illustrating the disarray and difficulty of the situation.
  8. Jillian and Nathaniel reflect on the flooding they witnessed days earlier, noting that some areas have cleared but the memory of the disaster remains vivid.

Hurricane Helene caused severe devastation

  1. The narrative begins with the travelers encountering heavy rain as they approach Asheville, North Carolina, during Hurricane Helene. The roads are mostly empty, indicating the severity of the situation.
  2. As they drive, they receive multiple flood warnings from their navigation system, highlighting the dangerous conditions they are about to face.
  3. Upon arriving in Asheville, they describe the scene as chaotic and dangerous, emphasizing the impact of the hurricane on the area.
  4. The travelers express relief at having safely left Asheville and reached Charlotte, North Carolina, but they remain concerned for those still affected by the hurricane.
  5. They urge viewers to reach out to anyone they know in Asheville, as the situation is dire and requires support and prayers.
  6. The travelers highlight the importance of financial support for organizations like BeLoved Asheville and the American Red Cross, which are providing aid to those affected.
  7. They specifically mention Old Europe, a place that provided food to people during the flooding, as a worthy recipient of donations.
  8. The travelers extend their thoughts and prayers not only to Asheville but also to other areas impacted by the hurricane, including Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.