Hurricane Helene Causes Power Outages and Community Preparedness in Asheville

Hurricane Helene Hits Asheville: What’s Happening

Asheville, N.C. is currently feeling the effects of Hurricane Helene, and it’s quite a scene to witness. With high winds, heavy rain, and the uncertainty that accompanies a storm like this, many in the community are holding their breath.

Power Crews Ready to Roll

At the WNC Agricultural Center, hundreds of power crews have gathered together, ready to spring into action. They come from far and wide, prepared to tackle the potential issues brought on by Helene. News reports have highlighted the devastation that high winds and torrential rain can bring, so we can all agree that the community’s safety is the number one priority.

On Thursday afternoon, as the storm began to show its true colors, conditions began to worsen. Initially, around 10,000 customers in Henderson County unfortunately found themselves without power. That’s a lot of folks relying on their flashlights and candlelight! But fear not, as Duke Energy has mobilized nearly 10,000 crew members, including tree-cutting specialists and damage assessors, which shows just how serious they are about getting things back on track.

Keeping Communities Informed

A spokesperson for Duke Energy kept everyone in the loop, confirming that their main goal is ensuring the community regains power as quickly and safely as possible. “Crews are really here for the bulk of the storm that’s coming in overnight tonight and tomorrow,” he remarked. And true to that message, crews have been clearing debris ahead of the worst parts of the storm, making sure they’re not blindsided by falling trees or downed power lines.

With the forecast indicating potential flooding, it’s clear that everyone is in for a challenging few days. The spokesperson went on to warn, “Given the type of hurricane that we’re dealing with, this could be a multi-day outage,” so it’s a good idea to get everything charged up while you still can. Wise advice for those relying on electric devices for updates and safety!

What to Do If You Lose Power

If you find yourself without power during the storm, don’t panic. Duke Energy has made it simple to report outages and stay updated. Just text the word “out” to 57801. This will provide you with estimated times of restoration and any other important information throughout the storm. Keeping communication lines open is crucial during weather events like this!

Stay Safe and Prepared

As the storm continues to roll through Asheville and the surrounding areas, it’s vital to stay prepared. Keep an eye on local alerts and ensure your emergency kits are stocked. Food, water, batteries, and a radio can be lifesavers, literally. Plus, let’s not forget to help our neighbors whenever we can; community effort goes a long way during these tough times.

Final Thoughts

As Hurricane Helene dances through North Carolina, we are reminded of the power of nature, and the resilience that comes from each other. While the winds howl and the rain pours, let’s keep our spirits up and support one another. We’ll get through this storm together, and before we know it, we’ll be back to enjoying the beautiful beauty that Asheville has to offer!

Stay safe, everyone!