10/01/2024
Hurricane Helene hit Mitchell County hard but the word is that everybody at High Cove is ok. There are a lot of trees down, some damage to the roads, and some minor damage to a couple of houses. There is no power, cell service, or internet, but they have been able to keep the generator running to power the well pump so there is water. The community mobilized immediately after the storm to make sure everybody was ok, to share resources, and generally provide mutual support in a frightening and uncomfortable situation.
The bridge at 80n and 19e is gone, but it is still possible to get into town by way of Arbuckle Road, although there are spots where mud, trees, and washouts have reduced the roads to one passable lane. As of yesterday, a crew was already working on clearing the roads in High Cove so people can get their cars down from the neighborhoods.
Much of the region has been devastated and it will be a long road to recovery. It will take a while to restore services, but the community is strong and resilient.