In the midst of devastation, desolation: The Great Flood of 2024

Knoxville is my hometown. Asheville is my adopted hometown. We in Western North Carolina and upper East Tennessee have just suffered devastation not seen since the Great Flood of 1916.

This natural disaster is the Great Flood of 2024. It’s estimated that 50 persons have died in Asheville and 100 statewide with thousands of persons missing. It’s truly a flood of the proverbial biblical proportions.

Badger and Rock Sprite are riding it out in Asheville with no water or electricity. We are searching for gasoline so we can exit this area to get to my father’s military funeral service in Nashville on Friday. Asheville to Nashville has never looked so difficult. Nevertheless, the main roads are re-opening though I-40 West is not currently an option. We are hopeful that we can attend.

I could write a book of what I’ve seen in the past four days. Over 30-inches of rain on average fell on this region in four days. Tornadoes swept through areas that have never before experienced them. Chimney Rock has apparently been completely swept into Lake Lure less than 25 miles from Asheville.

The French Broad River photos seen here show a flood crest 10 feet over the maximum flood stage. The highest levels in recorded history. Let that sink in.

What many believe is the current Heart and Soul of Asheville was under those flood waters. I personally witnessed artwork floating down the river. It’s heartbreaking but the River Arts District vows to reset and reimagine – that is what we humans do when faced with drastic change.

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While documenting this tragedy, I had someone run across the River Link bridge and hug me. A complete stranger. She said I looked pensive and forlorn – Badger couldn’t argue with that observation.

I’ve heard more sirens in the past few days than I’ve heard in the last 30 years and I cover Tennessee football games where there are lots of sirens.

I’m writing the article from downtown Asheville sitting in front of the Buncombe County Register of Deeds where I get my internet access from public WiFi. I’ve been here so many times that the homeless population now consider me one of them. I’m not, but the vibe is there. Even Stephanie Abrams of the Weather Channel was here and asked my take on the disaster. I said “Devastation and Desolation sums it up.”

Things will get better. It isn’t pretty especially when the population isnt adequately prepared.

With no water for showers and flushing, our indomitable creativeness shines through. In our complex, a seldom used swimming pool has served an emergency function as a hose was set up to siphon water to extend down the steep hill to the roadway below. We need several gallons a day to flush both of our toilets. My friend Troy set up a spigot for water flow into our containers. This setup was absolute genius.

Other Blue Ridge Mountain counties have suffered great losses as well. There’s unfortunately the usual scammers and disaster profiteers setting up ways to funnel money into their bank accounts. It was reported from the High Country that you could have BBQ delivered for a healthy sum. Delivery I’m told isn’t guaranteed. Most businesses have been offering food, ice, beverages, water and other essentials for free – as it should be in times of crisis.

While visitors have made plans to visit our area for the leaf season, I’m told that now is not the time to cancel as these businesses may recover in time and need the cash flow. However, right now isn’t the time for sightseeing – most areas are described by military veterans as “war zones.” They would know.

Businesses will reopen as soon as possible and the recovery has already begun. We will make it through stronger and more aware of the predilections of Mother Nature. The human spirit is resilient. Asheville and Western North Carolina and the affected areas of East Tennessee will recover.

Photos are described within the article