Good Morning, Friends,
As some of you may know, my area of western North Carolina (Swannanoa) was hit hard by record-setting flooding and high winds from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
We live in a rural, somewhat remote part of Buncombe County, and while we were prepared for power outages, downed trees, and general disruptions, what we actually experienced was nothing short of catastrophic. Even though we expected a devastating storm, I don’t think anyone was fully prepared for what unfolded.
From about midnight until midday on Friday—especially between 1:00 AM and 10:00 AM—we endured tropical-storm-force winds and relentless rain after nearly 24 hours of heavy rainfall from a prior weather system.
During this time, we listened to tree after tree uprooting and crashing down around our home. Since we’re surrounded by forest, we were understandably concerned about trees hitting the house.
At 6:00 AM, two trees did hit the house, just before the strongest wind gusts occurred between 7:00-9:00 AM. Thankfully, the damage was limited—both trees struck a corner of the house, but no limbs penetrated the roof or ceiling (I believe our metal roof helped prevent that). They did damage two of our PV panels.
Unfortunately, the trees did hit our Subaru, crushing the front of the car. RIP Ella Sue.
We were extremely fortunate that no more trees hit the house. At our altitude, I’m certain the wind gusts exceeded 75 mph.
When it was safe to go outside, we discovered that at least a dozen large, old-growth trees had fallen across our driveway. Clearing them all will take days.
We lost so many hardwoods that it now looks like our house has been relocated to a different spot.
The road leading to our house is also blocked by downed trees and power lines. A portion of the road in the valley, which follows a creek (as many roads do in western NC), is likely washed out. It may be days before we can check.
As bad as all of this was for us, we feel incredibly lucky. If you’ve seen the news, you’ll know that many people in our area lost their homes and businesses entirely. Tragically, there’s also been loss of life.
The only reason I can post this update is because we have solar panels and battery backup. The system wasn’t designed for what may be two or more weeks without power, but by conserving energy, we’re able to live comfortably and help our neighbors.
We also recently switched to a satellite-based internet service (a new option from HughesNet), which is why we still have internet access. Mobile phone systems in the region are completely down, and almost no one has service—including local TV reporters. A large portion of the population here is without internet, according to reports.
Even the 911 system is largely inaccessible. Residents are being urged to text 911 in emergencies, but in many areas, even that’s not possible.
Ham Radio to the Rescue
I’ve heard it all my life: when all else fails, ham radio still works. And let me tell you, it’s true.
Throughout the storm, our normally quiet repeater systems were buzzing with activity. The traffic became very organized, with hourly nets helping pass messages to family and friends, sharing detailed on-the-ground reports, and identifying areas where help was needed. Even though our emergency services are overwhelmed, we’re able to connect with them via amateur radio networks like ARES.
Right now, being a ham feels like a superpower. For many people, it’s the only form of communication that still works.
Grateful Despite It All
The big takeaway from all of this is gratitude.
We are safe.
Our family is so fortunate to have made it through this storm, which broke almost every weather-related record for the region. Literally.
We haven’t been able to contact many friends due to the widespread internet outages, but those we’ve reached are safe, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.
Thanks to the advance warning from meteorologists, we were able to prepare, and the number of fatalities has been remarkably low. Had this storm hit 50 years ago, it would have been a different story altogether.
We know we’ll get through this. Our community is strong, and we have friends who can help, just as we’ll help them.
Of course, I won’t be activating any parks or summits for a while. I’ve canceled my trip to the W4 SOTA campout next weekend. But as long as we have power and internet, I’ll continue to post guest contributions and field reports from the QRPer.com community.
I also plan to post some updates as we recover.
I’ve already received so many kind messages from readers—thank you! My time to reply is limited, as I’ll be spending the next several days clearing trees and helping neighbors. But I appreciate your thoughts and concern.
If, for some reason, things go quiet here on the website, it’s just because we’ve lost our internet connection.
If you’re a POTA or SOTA activator, don’t be too surprised if you hear me hunting you! I may take a break with one of my portable radios. All of my wire antennas at home are down, but field activators like us are used to setting up HF stations anywhere, so it’ll be a breeze here.
I hope you don’t mind this interruption in the usual programming here on QRPer. I wanted to share this detailed update in response to the many messages I’ve received.
Thank you again for your supportive and encouraging messages!
Best & 72,
Thomas (K4SWL)
Yes, Thank God you and your family are doing ok. Though I am still praying for those around you and else where that have been severely affected by this storm and will be for some time.
Thanks for sharing with us.
Fr Richard
wb8yxf
Glad to hear that you and your family are safe. May God protect you and your family in the coming days! 73, Dick, KORDS
Glad you and your family made it through safe. The stuff can be replaced. And thanks to ham radio, you have communications to the outside world even if your Internet connection fails.
Stay safe.
73 Steve KS1G
Thomas! Thanks for the post. So glad you’re well.
73 Jim W1PID
Thomas,
Thanks for the update. I’m sorry to hear about all of the destruction in your area but thankful you and your family are okay. Prayers for you and your community.
Best to you and 73,
Ed WRKV579
Thomas, this is shocking news and am sure there are many around you suffering from this storm. I read your posts daily. Even though your damage could have been worse I/we are so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts go out to you/family and neighbors and wish you the best in recovering from the disruption and damage.
Victor Bond, VE6VIC
Alberta, CA
Hi Tom.
I am glad that you are well and your family. I will pray for all there that your recovery operations are safe.. Especially the downed trees (speak from experience here… we lost 2 (not in that storm))
God bless you both Guy N1GMM
2 vehicles that is.. and multiple oaks..
Glad to know you are ok!!! I was thinking about you when I heard all the new coverage in the Ashville area. Looks like days of clean up but glad to know everybody is safe.
73
Kyle
AA0Z
Glad to hear everyone is okay. The car can be replaced.
Thomas, I’m glad you and the family are okay. I’m only about 30 miles south of you and I only lost the top of one tree. Power went out 36 hours ago but I have a whole house generator. My AT&T phones are out but my Verizon home internet is holding up well and I will be moving one of my phones over to Vorizon. I figure redundancy-is a good thing.
I’m the President of our POA and we have been flooded with no way in or out of the community for over 36 hours until about an hour ago. That isn’t as bad as it sounds as there is no where to ho anyway. We lost several houses to flooding and one house was completely washed away by the Green River when it flooded. The water was 10-12’ deep at the gates to the community.
But I am humbled and amazed by how neighbors were out assisting others clearing trees off of the road, driveways and roofs. There was even a water rescue last night of about 15 horses that were in a flooded stables.
I see what happened to Lake Lure and Chimney Rock and I feel blessed. They pretty much got wiped out.
And through it all ham radio was there.
W4MKH
Although you and I have never met in person or on the air, I am glad to hear that you are still with us. Bob Conder let me know about your site.
Duncan Herring
W6WQY
Thank you for your report. My aunt and uncle lived for many years at the old Davidson farmhouse at the corner of Bee Tree and Riddle. I always enjoyed visiting them in this beautiful area. Even though away from the river, their property would get flooded by local thunderstorms upstream back in the cove. The water must still be high.
Tom B.
KN6ZPT
Thomas,
So glad to hear your family weathered what is going to be a record storm. I thought of you when I was watching the hurricane come ashore in Florida and was seeing all the warnings for your area. Bless you and your family as you recover from a life changing event. Sorry to see the Subaru got squashed….
Tom,
I am glad you and the family are safe. As of tonight, I have not been able to get hold of my Dad or my brother in Marion. My daughter is in Burnsville and I have not been able to contact her either. I am hoping they are just a no power and or cell service. If I don’t hear from them I am considering heading down early.
Otherwise, we are coming down the 13th and I will be staying until early November. Be safe, and hopefully we can run into each other while I am down.
72,
Steve
VA3FLF/NC4SR
Thankful you are safe. Great real life example of the need for multiple means of communication.
Blessings.
W4ZNV
Glad to hear that you and your family are safe. The Ham community will survive if you take a bit of a real-life break, but I do enjoy your content and can wait until you are ready to resume regular programming!
73
VA5 DGS
Derek
Good to hear you and your family are safe. I was thinking about K4SWL when I heard about the weather in North Carolina. I have been enjoying your videos for quite a while now.
Chuck KE9UW
Glad to hear family is safe and damage is not critical because your off grid strategy included surviving such a storm.
I am sure you are surprised as to the tree damage and who knows what else when you venture out.
You thankfully have been prepared for such outages and the report on your solar system readiness after all this will be interesting
The AM DXers see this as an opportunity
Ve3ips
Glad to know you and your family are safe! Praying for you and your community. Peace to you.
Dave
KC3VYK
Thomas, I’m so sorry you, your family and Hazel have had to go through this disaster. The great part is that you all are ok. I’ve been following the damage in Buncombe County and I know what you’re experiencing. I’m close by in Morganton and we got clobbered.
Wishing you a fast turn-around and 73’s!
Jeff S – NE4Q, Morganton
Glad you and your family are OK. Excellent that you are prepared with some solar and power. Seeing the devastation in NC and TN is heart breaking. It’s going to a long time to recover.
Hang in there.
Thomas – Thanks for taking the time to post this with photos. I was wondering about you. Yes indeed, we have much to be grateful for.
Similar situation here. No power, no internet (other than cellular). Our house is OK. Trees down at the back of our property. Our neighbors were not so lucky. They lost a car too.
Solar/batteries are saving the day.
Stay safe through the clean up. 73 de W4EEY
Someone put a photo of the damage in Chimney Rock, NC on Facebook so I looked and saw that was near Asheville so headed over to qrper.com and have just read your post.
Sorry to hear of the damage to the property but very glad to hear you are all safe.
Gav GM0WDD
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and everyone else in the area….I’ll been lisening-in to 145.350 all day from here in North Central WA. State.
73’s
KM7CRD
I’m horrified by your report and I hope the situation improves rapidly. A big hug to you and your family from Italy.
73 de IN3AQK
Hi Thomas,
So glad you and yours are safe.
Best,
John KM6AHT
Glad to hear you are ok, Thomas.
Keep safe!
73
John McGrath
KF6EFG
Thomas,
We are thankful that your family is safe and appreciate the update. Sorry to hear about the passing of your Subaru. We are a Subaru family also and become very attached to them!
Your positive attitude is wonderful.
So happy you and your family are OK Thomas. HAM to the rescue in N. Carolina. I can’t wait for the stories and the chance to tell the world about how important our services were to the problem. 73, Dave W7DGJ
Grateful to hear that you and yours are OK – you’ve been in my thoughts. You’ve given so much to me personally and to the whole ham community, and now I feel like it’s our turn. What can I do to help?
Thank you for posting your report, Thomas. Of course, when I started to see the pictures and hear the reports out of the affected areas, I became concerned for your welfare. I am very relieved to hear that you and your family are okay. Through POTA/SOTA , your videos and your blog, you have created a very different kind of extended family that cares about how the universe treats you. Take care in your recovery. We hope to hear you back on the air very soon. 73, Gordon WA7LNC
If there is a silver lining, perhaps it is that you can use some of that fallen hardwood to build a ham shack and/or a Murphy bench.
Hi Thomas, Glad you and your family are safe… praying for everyone in the affected areas. 73
Sir –
I am very new to the world of ham radio. I am finding the passing the three tests really is not of great value compared to the many levels of needs to be able to provide the constructive actions this ‘final, frontline form of communication can provide.
My gratitude for your safety is high. As is the gratitude I feel for all of the folks that have taken the time and energy to become so proficient at this real, valuable technology. I hope I never face such a set of challenges as you are so admirably conquering.
I am glad I have begun the process to also learn to provide such help to others. I watched some YOUTUBE news reports today. Nothing I have ever witnessed is as bad. To see DJT and Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse on site, although in Georgia gave me hope that help is not just on the way but arriving with the tools, tanker trucks full of gasoline, food and water needed. As do your messages. Doing things for others with prayers and strong arms too.
God bless you all and may God continue to shine his light through you in such a magnificent way.
Mike AI5LL
Tom,
So grateful to hear you and your family are safe. Things can be replaced. We look forward to see you back “on the air” soon.
Warren
KC9IL
Thomas mentioned the Swananoa River. Here’s some video of that area. https://youtube.com/watch?v=t8S9YnVWK68&si=gDptIkSUDZGNS2-8