As you know - many of you firsthand - Asheville and much of Western North Carolina suffered destructive flooding and landslides as a result of historic rainfall amounts we received from an intense weather system on September 25 and 26 and from Hurricane Helene on September 27 and 28. Most sadly, as of today, there are 101 verified storm-related fatalities in North Carolina.
Many more people suffered extensive property damage. Some have lost their homes or businesses entirely. It has been overwhelming and saddening to fully understand what those around us have suffered. As a community, we have a long road ahead of us, but we have hope, and we are working together.
Fortunately, the response from people outside our community has been incredible. Drinking water, supplies, food, and all kinds of much-needed items came in quickly and continue to arrive daily. I know everyone here appreciates the generosity of all those who have contributed and continue to do so as the needs of the folks here change with the work being done and the weather in which they must do it.
I have experienced only the inconvenience of losing water, power, cell and internet service for varying amounts of time. As of October 16th, most residents have non-potable water to flush with and clean with, and the city is working 24/7 to return the water system to normal. These are just inconveniences, and many of us feel incredibly fortunate knowing the loss that others are just coming to grips with.
Like many in my industry, I will never again say that Asheville is a climate haven -- a place safe from the touch of climate change-exacerbated disasters. I now know firsthand that extreme weather events are possible here.
Despite this new reality, Asheville will recover and continue to be an extraordinary place to live and vacation. The photo for this blog is an excellent example of how folks are using hope and humor to deal with our loss and the work it's taking to get back to a place of normalcy.
It is November, and our hospitality industry needs visitors as they reopen in undamaged pockets and corners of the city to make money and rehire people quickly. It is predicted that the city will once again have potable water flowing through our system by December 3, 2024, but in the meantime, many bars, restaurants and hotels are reopening to the public using portable tanks of fresh water.
If you are planning a visit, your presence will be welcomed, and your patronage of our bars, restaurants and our artists will be greatly appreciated.
With hope and gratitude, I remain a resource for you for all things real estate, home, and the greater Asheville area as we all recover and rebuild together. I look forward to hearing from you and helping you and your family and friends in any way that I can.
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