Every day there is more information shared about the horrific disaster so many people in the south east are enduring.
Many folks are still without power. Blind Pig readers Randy in SC and Ed in NC are among those. More of you may be as well.
YouTube is full of videos showing the unfathomable scenes from the hardest hit places. Some aerial views show not only highways washed away but the very ground that was once under them is gone too. I can’t imagine how they will ever be rebuilt.
The area of Southern Appalachia is moisture rich. There are creeks—both small and large, branches, and rivers a plenty. The abundant moisture is why we have such a lush and inviting landscape.
All that moving water means there are also many bridges both large and small. Many of the bridges have been completely washed away leaving people with no way to drive out to get food, gas, or supplies. And in many cases its not just one missing bridge isolating them it’s two, three, or even more.
Folks in Western NC and East TN haven’t been this isolated in over a 100 years. It’s as if all those suffering have been thrown back in time.
Please continue to pray for them and for the many people who are trying to help them.
Last night’s video: Info About Storm Donations & Responding to Feedback from Viewers.
Tipper
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I have a cousin who lives in Black Mountain and she has kept us informed regarding the devastation in western NC. She has also mentioned how neighbors are coming together to help each other, as well as outside help that has come in. Luckily, my cousin and her daughters are safe and have had very minimal damage as far as i know. We here in southwest Louisiana are praying for everyone affected by this storm. God bless them. ❤️
Duke Energy has a website that allows you to type in an address and view the current power status for that address. I was able to see status of my friend in Hendersonville and actually the entire town in a map view. I don’t know how much of the hurricane-affected area is served by Duke Energy. I’m praying for all those affected in any way and those who cannot contact loved ones in the area.
Tipper,
We are praying fervently and often for everyone affected by this storm. It is the elderly, the sick & disabled, children, and mothers with babies that suffer the most. I pray especially for them that someone would come along side of them and give them the help they need. My heart breaks for your area. But remember, This too shall pass. Weeping endureth for a a night, but joy comes in the morning. Hallelujah!!
We just went through Beryl. That storm was not nearly as strong and powerful as Helene, but the same things happen with each storm most of the time. Power is lost, internet is lost, food is lost, sometimes lives are lost.. and travel is limited or impossible altogether. Here the folks gird up their loins, cooperate with one another to get things back to normal. We were so thankful to see the lights when they returned. We had two generators and it kept our freezers and fridges cold enough to keep the food from ruining and to keep the water well running. Wrapping the freezers in quilts or blankets will help insulate them. Keep the doors shut and if you have a generator, keep the freezers running a couple hours on and a couple of hours running something else like the washing machine.
We’ve gone through many hurricanes here in southeast Texas. They are as common as dishwater. Our last major hurricane was Ike. It was a very destructive one. Harvey brought flooding of Biblical proportion, but it’s always the same rote and ritual. We help the elderly, handicap, those that are ill, children, babies first. The hospital electric is turned on first, then it goes to grocery stores, gas stations, etc. Finally for those of us way out in the boonies, we get power. We live 2 miles from the nearest neighbor. We are so thankful when we see power crews in convoys heading to our area. We know power is only a few days away. As soon as the storm passes, people here get together get their power saws and head out to cut trees out of roads and off right of ways to allow the power crews to concentrate on getting the power lines reestablished. They are careful to stay away from downed lines and not touching them because they could still be dangerous.
In more urban areas where neighbors live close together, the whole neighborhood gathers and cooks on grills and barbecue pits whatever is in their freezers that might ruin if not eaten soon. They feed anyone that comes by looking for a meal. They cook food for the workers, the line crews, and each family in the neighborhood. It seems every neighborhood has a “pit boss” which is someone that can expertly cook whatever on a grill or pit.
There is that same spirit of Christian love and cooperation here too. Food, water, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, etc.. are gathered and taken to families or to a central location like churches or food pantries to be distributed to those in need. Here I think they still allow clothes to be donated that are clean and in good repair. Many people lose everything including clothes and all household goods. Sometimes helpful items or monetary donations are given directly to a neighbor or family and the donation does not go through “official” channels. Official channels often have administrative costs where the money donated doesn’t all go to those in need. The administrative costs have to be satisfied too. There’s nothing wrong with official channels.. that’s not my point. But if I see a neighbor without food, water, etc. I will try to fill that need right then if I can.
Of course as you’ve said the best gift we can give is our prayers and helpfulness. The fervent prayers go out from us multiple times per day.. Our God is a Mighty God and there is nothing HE can’t do if we ask Him. Love is a powerful force.. God is Love.
We’re in the Upstate of SC and many people have been without power and water (my Sis was out for 4 days; they have a well) and so many roads (nearly a hundred in our county alone) have been closed due to fallen trees blocking roads, it has doubled the time to get anywhere. That being said, we really have little to complain about when we look at places like Chimney Rock and Newland (two of our favorites to visit). We have sent some supplies with 2 groups traveling to the Asheville and Newland areas, but mainly, we are continuing in prayer for those who are cut off and need supplies and for everyone affected by this terrible storm. Much love, Jane
We visited the Maggie Valley area back in August and really fell in love with the area. We are just devastated seeing the pictures of the hurricane aftermath! We are definitely praying for the area and all affected by the devastation!
My two cents on your videos—your channel, your choice! You can’t run your business around the whims of people who may not even know you personally. My brother and some family live north of Asheville so the waiting to hear was disturbing as you know. Fortunately for them, houses were ok but they lacked power and water so they were able to evacuate on Sunday!! Thank you for all you have shared, I think it gives hope to people that need it.
Tipper, I watched your video last night and I am sorry there are some folks not so nice. You just keep doing what you are doing. Your videos are a bright spot for so many. I watched the helicopter guy and his wife and was moved to tears. Just unbelievable to see but it’s so wonderful so many people are helping. We had four big rigs that left yesterday morning from here in Johnston County, NC with supplies and they had to travel on one available road and drove to a drop off site in Hendersonville, NC and will return on Friday with three more trucks. If you can’t do anything, just pray. God hears our prayers when we don’t think he does.
In times like this, we must remain thankful and hopeful for the better days ahead. This is a chapter in all our lives, as we make donations and pray for everyone involved and hope they can rebuild and go back to the place they love. We went through something similar to this with a tornado a few years back and a house fire when I was a teenager, but the mass destruction and devastation we are witnessing just breaks my heart. It will be many months to years before some areas are even close to returning to anywhere normal. Continuing prayers and well wishes for everyone.
Good morning Tipper and Blind Pig friends—I just watched your video from last night and I just have to say that I appreciate you and all you do. Everyone has an opinion and sometimes we should just keep them to ourselves…especially if it’s gonna hurt someone’s feelings. We can see that you are heartbroken about this terrible devastation. You wouldn’t be yourself if you didn’t let everyone know how you feel. It’s important to keep praying and letting everyone know how we can help. Life is too short to try to please everyone all the time. God Bless you all and keep on making your videos and keeping us informed. Love ya!!!
Yes, Tipper. Thank you for the reminder to ask God to do what He is so willing and able to do: comfort, guide and provide for our neighbors.
After reading Randy’s comments I was thankful he, his family and friends are okay. We are still praying for you all get your power back on soon, Randy.
Tipper, your video was so moving last night, as have all your videos since the hurricane. I can’t imagine people who don’t care enough to hear updates on the devastation of the hurricane that has affected Appalachia and other states that was in its path. I understand it does at times get very depressing, but there are positive reports that are talked about too when people are found and rescued or seeing how people from all over are coming together as a community of volunteers to help, rescue and restore. We are all very thankful for each one of them! I’m glad you gave us a garden tour so we can have a short time of relief from the sadness of well every thing that has happened not just in our area, but in other parts of the world as well.
Please keep sharing your family, way of life and updates as you get them on others. Praying for Ed, your in-laws, all the people affected by this hurricane and for all those who are helping in the rescue efforts of any kind. Let’s remember to give God praise for the protection He has given Randy and many others by preserving their lives and not allowing destruction to their homes. Praising God for all the many volunteers from everywhere that are working to rescue people, restore power, deliver food, water and medical supplies. Thanking God for all who have given from the heart as much as they can in supplies and money donations. Last but very important is to thank God for His mighty prayer warriors who will continue to lift up all people in need even after the news has moved on to something else to report about.
Amen!
What a beautiful and thought-filled letter, Christine! Everything you said is in my heart too. My thoughts and prayers are right along with everyone else’s for the safety and protection of all those involved in this heartbreaking situation. May God grant everyone His Grace, His Mercy and especially His Hope, to lift their spirits and to feel our prayers for them. Prayers are flowing from all over the world, which is so powerful!
Tipper, it is evident that your heart is breaking for your neighbors. That’s a sign of true Christian love. Keep doing what you are doing. Prayers for everyone affected. ❤️
Praying for everyone that has been impacted by this storm. Our family is blessed beyond measure…God has provided more than we have need of. We all share with others that have lost more than we can imagine. Even in this storm damage and loss God is so good. There are still miracles all around us. Tipper, I am glad you are all safe. I never imagined going thru something like this but I know God’s love and care will see us through. God bless everyone. He will never leave or forsake you.
Each of our lives will be touched by tragedy. This, we know, is a common fellowship of the human condition. Whether we ever have a hurricane version or not, we will have some kind(s). I am grateful for hearts that will hurt with me or with others for troubles not their own. And I want to be that kind of person myself. After all, we none of us will escape this world alive (in our present form). The lovely thing about Helene is the people-helping-people. Most of them will remain individually unknown, unnoticed and unsung. And they won’t mind. That is grace.
Ron, You have stated it beautifully! Thank you for sharing!
prayers for all.
Tipper, think of it like this, your work is probably a safe haven for some that need a break from all the bad. for just a few minutes they can stop and breathe and know that it’s ok. I know that my hubby’s stroke is no where near the things that the people have suffered. it has changed our lives tremendously in a different way. and your work has helped me get through some trying times.
you do you. you are needed.
I thank you.
I was just reading in my local paper about the serious problems at Missions Hospital in Asheville brought on by the storm and its aftermath. Dedicated medical staffers are stretched thin and now are being aided by doctors and other other medical professionals from other places. The hospital did not flood but lost power and water. Missions cardiologists saved my life in 2017 when I collapsed in a motel at Flat Rock, on my way to a reunion at Lake Junaluska. I got a pacemaker overnight and made the reunion the next afternoon. Missions is special to me. Without that midnight miracle, I wouldn’t have lived to meet my great-grandson a last month. Say one for Missions.
There’s an old saying, “It’s an ill wind that blows no good.” The events in Tennessee, North Carolina, and southwestern Virginia are horrific beyond imagining, but there is one good thing coming out of it: we see people coming together to work together. I am constantly amazed at the resilience and creativity of people working to solve problems: supplies being carried by mule train to isolated areas, drones being used to locate people who are stranded and to deliver medicine to them. Our folks don’t sit around and wait for someone else to jump in; they roll up their sleeves and jump in themselves. We’re going to need that resilience for a long time to come, but I’ve never been prouder to be Appalachian born and bred.
I saw a video on YT where a man who had lost everything was being interviewed. He said he had come to terms with the fact that a disaster had come about, and no matter where he looked he would find a mess. He said that walking with a heavy heart helps nothing and no one. He said the thing to do now is to concentrate on how to rebuild. Each day will bring answers.
I really love his attitude! I think back to the Indonesian tsunami and the total devastation that occurred. Thousands of lives were lost. We would look on the survivors as destitute. The difference was that many of them had the attitude of this man. They formed their own little businesses from the materials they had at hand. These startups were unique, never before thought of. The people helped each other and there was no thought of upsmanship. God provided the ideas and the ways to make them work. Every day and in every way.
My grandmother once said, “what was, was. What is, is. Feeling sorry doesn’t make you a better person, and it sure doesn’t help nobody. So move forward and get on with it.” I could never have had a better lesson.
Much love to you and yours, Tipper.
Caye, I love the quote from your grandmother! She was a wise woman……..we should all memorize that quote and use it often. May God bless and protect all those involved in the rescue and recovery efforts taking place throughout that region and give hope to the many who are suffering physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Thank you for your thought-filled comment!
Jackie
Our area here in southern Va was not hit as hard as other areas. We had flooding but it did not wash away houses, bridges or roads. We thank God for his protection and pray for everyone who was affected by the storm. My husband and I are praying for those affected and giving to Samaritan’s Purse and other collection agencies and churches around town. Praying and doing what you can for them is what our Lord has instructed us to do in His Word. And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:40 NKJV
Tipper- I believe I heard you say that Pawpaw Tony is in Canton. I donated to Eight Days of Hope because they have been in Taylor County, Florida where the storm came ashore. That is my home place even though I live in Georgia now, but my siblings live in Taylor County. This organization ministers to the physical and spiritual needs of hurting communities. When I was looking on their website, I noticed that they will have a feeding and laundry station in Canton, NC at the International Sports Complex. 289 Silkwood Dr. Hopefully this info will help those in need! God bless you and your family and you keep on being you! Salt and Light in this dark world!
Tipper,I watched your video last night and once again reminded some people have no compassion and can just be mean and hurt other peoples feelings. I know they bother you but just put them behind you and know they will have to answer to the Almighty one day. Please keep on doing what you are doing,letting us peek into your life but also keeping us updated on what is happening with the situation there.This devastation is huge,tv doesnt do it justice. I think about the hospital ,all the equipment ,the building,the staff,the patients,I think about schools ,all the children who have to be so scared. Appalacia is not only in your heart,its in your soul. This is so heartbreaking. Keeping you and everyone affected in prayers.
My sister lives near Canton and my brother near Ashville. I live in Satsuma Florida. I could not reach them by phone . My sister lives alone in a holler .She is 70 yo in good physical shape and was able to get out thanks to her son and his truck and is now safe in Hickory with her other son. My brother is in law enforcement working as we speak, having to hike out to get to his truck . They both called me when they got to an area of cell service. If anyone out there knows how Canton weathered the storm please let me know. I know they have been hit pretty hard in the past. My sister said she had never felt so alone.
In Florida I operate a food ministry . We are a not for profit an my prayer is not only for the people but for all those agencies and ministries who have lost every thing in a time of such need. I pray for all the churches that have been washed away and those Pastors who are trying to care for all their folks. I feel so helpless down here when my home is suffering.
I just can not even imagine what they are going through. I’ve seen where the authorities are blocking volunteers from getting help to many areas, including my nephews that had loaded up with food and water! and there is a helicopter pilot that was dropping water and other supplies but he was threatened with arrest if he did it again. Just wow. I’ll never understand what’s happening to the world right now.
I’m praying nonstop and feel helpless so far away.
Tipper if we had more people with as kind a heart as you what a wonderful world this would be!
Prayers for all suffering is our biggest contribution- Jesus knows every single need and He desires we humbly turn to Him and depend on Him and this does not mean there won’t be difficulties!
I continue to lift everyone hurting up in prayer!
Continued prayers for those who have lost their homes, are isolated, who need food, water. It is horrible what has taken place.
Tipper,
Your local reporting of the devastation in western North Carolina following the massive flooding is very important as we need to hear from the people of these mountainous regions. The years that you and Matt have spent teaching readers and viewers about important life skills like canning and preserving, foraging the land for food, hunting, fishing, starting and cooking over an open fire, building with your own hands will undoubtedly help people who will need to essentially start all over again. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus by sharing faith, hope, love, and kindness to a chaotic world.
Bless you, Randy, for such an amazing attitude, and also well done for being so well prepared.
Tennessee was largely spared, although that’ll be no comfort to the folks in upper east TN who weren’t. A good source of information on power outage status is available at:
https://poweroutage.us/
You can click on an individual state, then once more at the individual county level. As of this moment, the numbers of customers out of power are:
SC: 390,681
NC: 307,612
GA: 259,460
VA: 24,338
FL: 21,587
WV: 7,724
There are some NC counties which are still almost completely without power. In Mitchell County, NC, 11,000 out of 12,000 (rounding) customers have no power – at least from the grid. In neighboring Yancey, 12,000 out of 15,000 are without power. In more populous Buncombe, it’s 93,000 out of 159,000 and in Henderson County, south of Buncombe, it’s 50,000 out of 69,000.
But this is not just an Appalachian event. The counties in Georgia which were primarily affected are not in the northern part of the state, but the southeast. Some small rural counties there are almost completely without power.
Given the road destruction and resulting isolation, it would not be surprising if power is not restored to some sections before the end of October. According to multiple sources who are in a position to know, the death toll will rise substantially. As Randy and Angie say, we need to keep praying.
I saw Tippers post yesterday, God help God help
Praying for everyone involved so so sad.
Here in Greene County, TN the devastation is beyond belief. The Nolichucky River (translates to “Dangerous Waters”) was unrecognizable. Someone offered this explanation: we had a good amount of rain before the storm arrived; Helene just stalled right over us instead of moving out; one side of the mountain drained and dumped into East Tn and the other side drained and dumped into Western NC. A hurricane in these parts?? Imagine a blizzard in FL and you get the idea.
God is good. Unaffected communities are showing the love with manpower, supplies, and equipment. Many are from out of state. May God richly bless them.
Continuing to pray for all those impacted by the storm and its aftermath.
Keep on with what you’re doing. There is alaways a critic out there. Prayers for all those affected
I live in Columbia, SC, but my family and my wife’s family are from the Piedmont and mountains of NC. My cousin in Candler is fine. His daughter in Weaverville was trapped in her house because her neighborhood only had two entrances and exits. Both were blocked with many fallen trees. My cousin and his son loaded up chain saws and headed to Weaverville. They cut away the trees and debris and freed the neighbors of his daughter to get out and get needed supplies. That is the spirit of Appalachia, help your neighbor.
Please pray for all of those affected by Hurricane Helene.
Blessings to all.
Tipper I saw your You Tube yesterday and I so agree with what you are doing. No one should expect you to stop doing your work in the wake of the devastation all around. Also how can anyone think you should not bring up the suffering all around Appalachia and many other areas and states from Helene. My mother used to say this old quote a lot, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”. She also would add this herself, “You can’t please some of the people none of the time”. Keep doing what you are doing. I love you and all of your family and I am so glad everyone is safe. I will continue to pray for all those suffering .
Linda, I did not know there were some people upset with Tipper. I have heard your mother’s saying before. I especially agree that you can not please some people no matter what you do. At 70 years old, I don’t worry about these people. When they are upset/mad with me they are letting someone else rest. What do these people expect Tipper to do? I look forward to reading the BP&A everyday, if you notice the time of my comments, I don’t wait until 6 o’clock, I have found out I can go back to yesterday’s post and read today’s post at 4 o’clock. Reading the blog and the comments is a bright spot in my life each day. Tipper keep doing what you have been doing, I’m sure there are many more happier with you than there are ones upset. The upset ones are not worth worrying about. I guess I have just now made some more upset with me .
Praying for all whose lives have been impacted by this disaster. Can’t reach cousins in Weaverville
and will call to report them missing.
I have not been able to sleep very good tonight and when I’m awake like this during the night a lot of thoughts go through my mind, maybe I should say head. I was thinking about me being selfish. If I get right down to it, none of our homes for me, my family or close friends were damaged and no one has been hurt. I have water, food, plenty of gas for my cars and the small generator we are using to try to save our cold food in a couple of refrigerators and freezers, but even if I loose it, it would not be a huge financial lost. I have been cooking on some old Coleman camping stoves, one made in 1962. I like it, I joke and say it shows some of us old folks and things can still “get er done”. This will be day 7 day without power and I read last night where my power company is now backing up on their estimate of having everyone back on by Oct 7. When I get right down to to it, doing without my power is more of an inconvenience to me than a hardship. At 2 o’clock this morning I was praying and thanking God for being so good to me, and also praying for the ones in NC and other areas that have lost everything due to the storm. The Chimney Rock – Lake Lure area is especially dear to me, for many years my wife and I would go there for a short day trip in the fall of the year, in later years we like to go and spend a few days in the Burnsville, Spruce Pine area of NC. This was before I learned of Tipper and the BP&A. I would have definitely came to one the places they were singing, shoot I might have even showed up at her front door one day. We would stay 2 nights at the Nu Wray Inn located on the square at Burnsville. We would go as close to Oct 26 as we could. This would be our wedding anniversary celebration.
Don’t none of you members (my online family) worry about me, me and my family, loved ones and friends are fine, let’s just all pray for the ones that have lost everything and the families of the ones that have been killed, the number of these keeps going up each day.
Randy I’ve been praying, my heart’s broken, God bless you and your family, all I can do is pray, my nephew is in your area somewhere or another, he is working with the power company, I pray he’s okay, I’m so sorry Randy, God help
I agree with you Randy. Knowing that so many people are suffering is difficult to think about. Just FYI…my dear friend in Bakersville said that all the businesses will have to be rebuilt including theirs. They owned a filling station tire shop and propane business. She still doesn’t have cell and phone service. I’m not sure about electricity because they have a generator. She’s been able to go to Johnson City for supplies which makes me think that they can’t get to Spruce Pine. Hope you get your power back soon. I’m still praying for all of you.
Rhonda, I would always ride through Bakersville when we went up that way. A man named A.O. Harrell lived at I Red Hill near Bakersville and wrote about grouse hunting and living his life in that area. In his book he writes about going to Johnson City in a wagon when he was a young boy. The book title is Fetch IT Up, Rusty. Red Hill may not be correct but it was Red something. I dearly loved going to the original Mast Store while up that I way.
I have my hopes up, I think I am hearing the utility crews working in my area this morning. I have heard a truck back up alarm several times this morning. I am be enough to need a back up alarm on me and it ain’t mine I am hearing!
God Bless you Randy and your loved ones. We will keep everyone in our prayers.