Asheville Hurricane Helene Survivor Describes Tree Damage

The tree devastation was so complete, "it can't be cleaned up," said Ed Phelps of Hurricane Helene's damage to his property. "You never thought of a hurricane in Asheville," he added during an interview on Oct. 23, 2024, nearly a month after the storm. #hurricane #helene #asheville #northcarolina

[flamingpieherman]

I live here in Tampa and have been through numerous hurricanes even category fours... Not that roofs can't come off and not that there can't be some terrible things happen... But these two storms were not normal.

I have never been scared of a storm until now.
Helene and Milton scared the crap out of me.

[splitpea]

I wish all who've suffered such tremendous losses, eventual peace beyond understanding.

[cathykrueger]

We are still cleaning up after Katrina in Mississippi. Many vacant lots with just a slab. It took years to get out two main bridges built. Businesses that never came back. That hurricane was in 2005. What has happened in the NC mountains is so much worse. I used to live in Black Mountain. It breaks my heart to see what you’re up against. Just the mountains of trash and debris is devastating. It was so beautiful there.

[Sharon-fwqw]

I live here too. We saw Biltmore, Swananoa, Black Mtn. Total devestation. People donating and giving out tents, clothes, supplies. It's amazing how everyone is coming together.

[lmn]

I'm so sorry folks.. i absolutely love the mounts up there, it keeps breaking my heart .. I'm cleaning up from tornado from 2023 then being canceled from my insurance comp. LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STAY OVER THERE.. I'VE NEVER MISSED A PAYMENT OVER 30 PLUS YEARS.. IT'S devastating in so sorry yahll. I lived in Hiawsee for a free summers i absolutely know how yahll feel. I love all of you that have been effected.. Love frm Tx.. 💕

[lorijohnson]

Really helps put it all in perspective. What a devastating loss

[brandyallison]

This is so very sad, can't imagine losing everything I know it's hard but keep your faith, The Lord will see you through. ❤ 🙏

[ritarevell]

I'm so sorry and sad about this situation.

[CherylMotherofSeven]

I live on the central FL/GA Border. And one of my neighbors clocked the winds at 105mph and someone else clocked them at 130mph!!!! It is 120 miles to the FL coast. That hurricane should have lost power by the time it us. It was very scary, wind howling, trees breaking falling on our home, things being thrown around by wind. Being from the FL Coast, I have been thru multiple hurricanes in my life, but Helena was the scariest.

[Tina-mtcl]

5 to 10 years from now a wildfire of historic proportion is going to sweep through the region if the windward sides of those mtns where entire forests are now laid down aren't cleaned up somehow. This is a bigger deal than most seem to realize.

A drought will come, the wind will blow, a tree will fall on a powerline, and that will be all she wrote...

[zc]

This is a generational impact. The scars from this storm will be seen by our great grandchildren.

[ChrisVaughn-mn]

So sorry for everyone affected by this!

[hosgrapper]

You are not alone. People from all over this land, are here for you. Americans will be there for you. American won't forget you.

[Father_Syrinx]

Those hillsides are incredibly unstable now.Those houses are going to need help come spring.

[lindam]

Wow, devastating, wishing you a quick recovery.

[akashajoti]

I’m so sorry!! We are still rebuilding from a big wildfire that ripped through our community quickly, causing so many to loose everything. Sending so much love to you!!

[Trthsker]

Yes TORNADOES, microbursts and straight line winds, many have this same devastation and deforestation in all its horror, including here on the Tenn border.

[dreambe]

Nature will be back in full next year. Love to see next spring. 😊

[lorabrowne]

Reminds me of Hurricane Hugo which left the forests between Myrtke Beach & Georgetown, SC. All broken at 15'.

[glendagraves]

I am glad you are safe. Once the roads are rebuilt and open, more can be repaired, and more of us can get in to help.