Boone Residents Unite for Recovery After Tropical Storm Helene
As the sun rose over Boone, North Carolina, the reality of Tropical Storm Helene’s impact hit the town hard. For the past few days, the community has not only been battling the effects of the storm but also coming together like never before. From makeshift shelters to emergency rescues, the spirit of Boone has never been stronger.
A Surprise Shelter Situation
Since last Saturday, a cozy home in Boone has turned into a bustling emergency shelter. With eight adults, six cars, and four dogs sharing a modest living space, the family was hardly prepared for their surprise guests, who originally intended to attend a wedding just days later. “Running a makeshift shelter wasn’t on the bingo card,” laughed one of the hosts, reflecting on the unexpected wave of friends and family seeking refuge.
Cameron Nieters, a local lawyer, and her boyfriend Ben Hippler found themselves caught in the storm. Attempting to make it home Friday, they faced three hours of stagnant traffic only to realize that Interstate 40 was simply impassable. Realizing the extent of the damage as they watched videos of the Swannanoa River wreaking havoc in nearby Biltmore Village was heart-wrenching. “It was surreal,” Cameron recalled. “I never thought I’d see my town like this.”
A Dramatic Rescue
With safety as their priority, Cameron and Ben ventured down to Biltmore to assess the situation. What they discovered was alarming. “We saw a man sitting on a pile of debris surrounded by water, begging for help,” Cameron said. With the local 911 services overwhelmed by calls, a sense of urgency gripped the crowd that had gathered.
Creative thinking kicked in when a small group rifled through the nearby warehouses to find a kayak. One young man bravely took the initiative and paddled against the current to rescue the stranded man. “He was really fighting it, but with the kayak’s help, they made it back safely,” Cameron recounted with pride for the community’s response in the face of crisis.
A Long Road Ahead
After their harrowing experience, Cameron and Ben decided it was time to head home. Six hours later, with the help of old-fashioned paper maps, they finally reached their house. A joyful reunion followed as Cameron embraced her mother, grateful for their safety. But the situation was far from over as friends Tom Harrington and Amanda Smith remained stranded in Asheville.
After some initial reluctance, Tom and Amanda quickly realized the growing chaos around them. “Stores were stripped bare; it was becoming impossible to find basic necessities,” said Amanda. The stark reality of looting in broad daylight was the final straw. “We had to get out of there,” Tom said. He, Amanda, and their friendly mutt Leo decided to make the dangerous journey south, following the path forged by Cameron and Ben.
Welcome Home to Boone
Once settled back in Boone’s welcoming embrace, the reality of accommodating eight people and four dogs in a modest home set in. “It’s a tight squeeze, but we’re making it work,” one of the residents joked. “We never expected to be living like this, but you roll with the punches!”
With electric service taking days to restore and water treatment plants struggling to get back to normal, the community’s spirit has shone brighter than ever. Residents have pulled together, sharing resources, hugs, and of course, laughter, reminding each other that they’re in this together.
As Boone begins picking up the pieces from the storm, the story unfolding here is one of resilience, unity, and the power of community. While challenges may lie ahead, the people of Boone are ready to face them together. After all, it’s not just a house that makes a home; it’s the love and support of those within it.
