Boone Faces Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Boone, North Carolina, is currently trying to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which brought heavy rains and winds that led to catastrophic flooding throughout the area last weekend. While many locals sheltered in place, the storm raged around them, claiming lives and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Scenes from the Ground Zero
As we walk through the town, the destruction is clearly visible. Debris from the local Walmart littered the parking lot, an eerie reminder of the chaos as mudslides and floodwaters swept through. A police officer was seen surveying the damage, and reports indicated that the usually peaceful Boone Creek transformed into a raging river, flooding not only parking lots but also apartments and local businesses. Eyewitnesses describe chaos as the creek overran its banks, and dozens of students were left without power or food, trapped in their dorms with flood warnings issued.
Families Forced to Cancel Plans
Tom and Nicole Bouker from Kill Devil Hills had planned to visit their son, Tanner, at Appalachian State University for Family Fall Weekend but were forced to cancel due to the hurricane’s arrival. As their son made it back home safely, Tanner couldn’t shake the feeling that it didn’t seem real. “A hurricane here, not there?” he remarked incredulously. He shared that the university had sent emails notifying students about the impending storm, but nothing could prepare them for the chaos that ensued.
Student Experiences during the Storm
Tanner, who had to leave his car behind as he braved the storm with friends, described their desperate search for food and how they navigated the flooding. “We drove out before the storm looking for something to eat,” he said, recalling a tricky situation where they had to off-road to avoid fallen trees. The loss of power made for an uncomfortable few days; they resorted to making sandwiches as they waited for the storm to pass. Meanwhile, his friend Max Stabley faced a much harsher reality when his apartment was flooded.
“He said, ‘I’ve got nowhere to go,’” Tanner recounted, as Stabley sought refuge at his place as the storm continued. “He couldn’t access his apartment once the tree fell, so he had to wait for safety before coming over.” Tanner’s mom, Nicole, sighed in relief, grateful their family was safe, “Nothing but what you have on your back… we’re lucky,” she said, acknowledging how many others lost everything.
Sparking Kindness Amidst Chaos
The power was out for several days, but Tanner and his friends found solace in the kindness of others. A friend’s family stepped up, providing a portable grill to make food, turning the disaster into a small tailgate gathering. “They cooked us food, and we felt so grateful!” Tanner said. After returning home, he expressed his relief: “Finally, we have power again!”
Mixed Experiences from Students
Not all experiences were so dire. Briana Lee, a 19-year-old student from Manteo, was prepared to cheer for her Mountaineers but decided to leave when she learned of a boil water advisory on campus. “We didn’t experience flooding, but the power went out for most of Friday, which was tough,” she stated. Meanwhile, her cousin, Adrian Simpson, encountered moments of boredom with no electricity in his high-rise apartment. He faced “the Dark Ages” as he walked around to see what remained of King Street, which was still flooded.
A Community on the Brink
In the end, stories like theirs reveal a community still trying to make sense of the devastation. Many students and locals have felt the despair of uncertainty in the wake of loss, but there’s a resilience rising within the town. Reports of missing persons and widespread destruction weigh heavily on everyone’s hearts. As talks of recovery efforts begin, Boone stands united in the spirit of togetherness, helping each other face the challenges that lie ahead.
With mutual support and community effort, Boone is determined to rise from the ashes of Hurricane Helene, rebuild, and welcome better days.
