Thinking about our friends up and around North Carolina

[Sonnie Parker]

I'm sure most of you will remember Wayne Myers, a moderator here who did a lot of reviews for us early on. He's been to my house five or six times over the years and spent about a week with us each time. I just hung up the phone with Wayne, and they are in survival mode at this time, like most everyone else. Wayne and his wife, Jeri, live in Marion, NC, about forty miles or so east of Ashville. They lost power at their home when Helena came through their area. They may not get power for another week. They had trouble getting in and out until yesterday. The grocery stores are nearly out of food... it's a mess up that way. Flooding all around Ashville... which you've probably seen on the news. Jeri is in the Ashville hospital undergoing treatments, which had to cease due to the storm, so they are going to try to move her to Winston-Salem. Their health is taking a toll on them, and the storm is not helping matters. So... if you pray, please keep Wayne and Jeri in your prayers.

 

[JStewart]

So... if you pray, please keep Wayne and Jeri in your prayers.

Absolutely.

@Sonnie Parker have you heard from Jeff at JTR? He’s southeast of Ashville and southwest of Marion where Wayne is.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Oh man... I did not even think about that. I just sent him a text. Hopefully, he will respond and let me know something shortly.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I tried calling Jeff, and it went straight to voicemail; his mailbox is full. My guess is they don't have cell service up that way.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Text from Jeff...

Have to drive around 10-30min find cell service but still no internet
We're ok. No power, water phone or internet. Have generator and supplies for a few more days.
Trying to get prepared for if this lasts a while. Now hearing another storm might hit.

 

[JStewart]

Text from Jeff...

That’s actually good news, considering. I’m glad to hear he and his wife are ok!

I’ve only had the opportunity to spend a couple hours shooting the breeze with Jeff earlier this year, so I don’t know him well, but in that short time I learned he’s the kinda person that’ll be out helping his neighbors, too.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yeah... Jeff is a stand-up kind of guy. I figured that was why I couldn't reach him... because he was busy helping others. Of course, I know he has to take care of his family.

He had a party for his youngest a few weeks ago and entertained quite a few kids. I bet he took a slide too. I would have.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Jeff updated me yesterday that they are very happy to have power and Internet now.

 

[JStewart]

Been watching this week the news of our fellow citizens of North Carolina, South Carolina snd Georgia who are dealing with the devastation and in many cases, the loss of loved ones. It’s absolutely heartbreaking.

When Helene came up the coast of Florida Tampa experienced significant flooding with a storm surge of 7.2 feet, their highest on record. And now…

Meet Milton. You’ll be hearing a lot about him this week.

Prayers for my fellow Floridians that it doesn’t turn out as bad as it might.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yeah, there's been a lot of news about all the folks up in NC, but we need to remember the folks in Florida, as there was a ton of damage to the coastal areas where it made landfall. The sand coverage was brutal.

The Milton path doesn't look good for what could be that area again if it moves a little north. It doesn't seem that common for hurricanes to land in that part of Florida.

 

[JStewart]

Latest spaghetti models are in agreement. Coming ashore slightly north or south of Tampa.
Could change, but the odds are against it. Atm hopeful news for the folks who just got slammed where Helene came through.