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In Their Own Words

Pierce Gentry
/
WUOT News

In Their Own Words

One year after Hurricane Helene tore through East Tennessee, WUOT News gathered recollections from over 20 people who survived the floods. These are some of their stories, in their own words:
  • Joy Lambert and her husband, Karlas, lost their home and all of their belongings to floods wrought by Hurricane Helene. Now, with the help of their community, they’ve managed to get back on their feet.
  • Michael Davis and his family lost everything they had to flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. After receiving help from a local church, they're getting back on their feet.
  • Allyson Felty and her family lost their Johnson County home after Hurricane Helene raged through East Tennessee. She says she'll never forget the terror of watching floodwaters ravage her hometown.
  • John Hilemon II's family farm was wiped out by flooding in Unicoi County after Hurricane Helene swept through East Tennessee. Against all odds, he had one of his best harvests in the months following.
  • Frank Brough and his wife lost their 177-year-old home to Hurricane Helene. They were told it would cost at least $400,000 to repair their house; but still they pushed on.
On September 27, 2024 Hurricane Helene struck the heart of Appalachia, devastating rural communities throughout East Tennessee. One year later, many are still picking up the pieces.