Reflections In the Hurricane’s Eye – Helene reminds us how to come together

As we all put Hurricane Helene in our rear view and look toward the recovery process, we at Augusta Today thought we might take a moment to reflect on the unexpected lessons the storm has taught us.

The night before Helene hit, I had no idea what was coming at Augusta, Georgia. Sure, there were weather reports and forecasts and the like. Most of them said that we were due some pretty strong winds and probably a lot of rain. But Hurricane Helene was supposed to pass to the west of us, giving Atlanta more of a direct hit than we would receive. 

My son lives in Atlanta. I was mostly worried about his safety in what surely would have been a devastating storm for Georgia’s capital. All I really did at my own home was pick up a few items from the yard I thought might blow away. Then I went to bed, naively hoping I would sleep through the worst of whatever we got.  

Boy, was I wrong. 

I woke up at almost exactly 5 a.m., only it wasn’t to an alarm. It was to the sound of howling wind, trees cracking outside my window, a pitch-black house and three dogs that, if they could speak, would have surely cried “how could you possibly sleep at a time like this?”  

They were terrified, and rightfully so.  

Now we all know that Helene didn’t make that turn to the west. No, she headed straight for Augusta like golf fans in April and had her own little party in what is now considered the worst natural disaster in Georgia history.  

The days that followed genuinely surprised me. I was all over the city - driving to help friends, family and, of course, to work where I might spread word of where people could find supplies and help. So, I saw people all over the CSRA. 

What surprised me was, through all the damage and loss, everyone remained positive and bonded together. Every neighborhood I navigated, through twisted trees and downed power lines, people were out helping each other clear the carnage.  

As the days passed, that sense of community grew stronger. I found myself envious of neighbors gathering around fires, burning storm debris, and enjoying each other’s company. With no power or internet in most of the area, people were forced to put down their phones and interact with each other. It was pretty glorious. Parents even saw their kids enjoying the outdoors, riding bikes, hanging with other neighborhood kids. It was almost like an ‘80s sitcom! 

The damage caused by Helene was tragic. Some received more damage than others and the losses have been catastrophic. But so many did what they could to help. I, for one, am very proud of our community. I know some are still suffering and some are still recovering. But I truly feel that this has brought us all a little closer together and I hope that lasts. As the Beatles told us long ago, we’ll get by with a little help from our friends.