Code of Vets ™
@codeofvets
The @NCNationalGuard has been spotted in Marion NC. I am praying they can make it up Marion Mountain to get to these small towns. The reports I am getting are devastating. Walmart is closed. Has been looted. My niece has worked there for years. It has been emptied out. Ingles is under water can’t be looted. There is an area at the parkway on 226 with spotty service. My niece was able to speak to her sister. Samantha heard everyone crying in the background. Lizzie was crying. Spruce Pine is in very rough shape. My mom’s house is not livable but she said they are staying there right now. I will post pictures as soon as I can get them. No electricity or water. They do have a well and a spring on Halltown Rd. Gas for vehicles are an issue. This is going to be a long rescue and recovery process. Many roads are impassable and landslides are a major issue. Mountain people are tough and resilient. They are survivors, preppers.
My mom and her house before this storm. I need to hear her voice.
My son is in Candler where he works as a welder. My niece lives in Asheville. Son was able to communicate with us through his GPS satellite emergency messaging device. He also has a ham radio so is able to get information. Today they both have spotty texting ability on their phones. The big problem is going to be getting water and food to all who need it.
I’ve visited that area quite a bit. Asheville runs totally on cell phone technology. You can’t even park your car without one. Heck you need a freakin’ phone to take a tour of the Biltmore (yes I saw the infamous basement swimming pool - creepy). They seem to have embraced the smart city concept. The police force is small, having been defunded a few years ago….
The town is overpopulated too - like the houses are three deep or narrow towers of apartments—and super expensive to rent. Lots of hippies who live at campsites or in old busses etc. It’s been a bit of a mecca for people fleeing California. This is going to be tough for most of them. My husband and I think a lot of them will end up leaving after this experience. The mountains are beautiful but there are a few things mountain dwellers need to be aware of….
Prayers for your Mom and all affected!