Some of you I haven't talked with recently might be wondering how I've faired with the past two hurricanes. First of all, I'm okay. Second, but more importantly, if you can give a donation to the Redcross they could certainly use it.

Hurricane Charley completely missed me as it only affected the coast of North Carolina. Asheville, where I live, is almost 500 miles from me.

Hurricane Frances was a tropical storm when it reached us and there was virtually no wind damage. However, there was a large amount of rain and flooding became a major problem in the lower regions surrounding the banks of the French Broad River and the Swannanoa River. Higher elevations had minimal damage(like where I live).

The major problem occured when the water lines for almost the entire city became damaged. As of this writing we finally got water after 3 full days without. It is still not drinkable though. Many restaurants have shut down and and the Governor and President did declare Asheville a disaster area. Despite that, there have been no related injuries or deaths that I have heard of.

All in all, it's reminded me of the precious gift of water taken for granted and it has given me an excuse to pee outside, which I prefer anyway! :)

Yes, hurricane Ivan may come our way by next Wednesday but should only be a tropical storm if it reaches us. Flooding will be the main concern but most of the at risk areas are already damaged and evacuated from what Frances did.

Keep your fingers crossed but don't worry. I think we should be okay. I've included some links to articles and excellent photo galleries if you read on. Truly pictures speak louder than words. -Matthew

Disaster declared for western N.C., Asheville struggles to restore water Raleigh News & Observer
Water begins flowing to Asheville lines Raleigh News & Observer
Finally, we have water: Boil order remains in effect Asheville Citizen Times

Asheville Citizen Times Photo galleries:

Reader Submitted Photos III
9/9/04 - Working on the water pipes
9/9/04 - Cleaning up Frances
Reader Submitted Photos II
9/8/04 - Flooding in WNC
9/8/04 - Haywood County Flooding
Reader submitted photos
9/7/04 - Frances hits WNC

• Amboy Rd.
  The old speedway off of Amboy Road looked like a lake on Thursday afternoon.
  
• Mudslide
  The storms caused a mudslide on I-40, which had lanes closed in both directions. By Thursday, one lane was open in each direction.
  
• Pisgah football field
  Pisgah's football field suffered extensive damage from Frances.
  
• School in Marshall
  The overpass to the elementary school in Marshall was covered by the river running through the town.
  
  
• Floating tank
  A propane tank floats down the French Broad River near Lyman Street.
  
• View of the river
  A view of the flooding along the French Broad River behind the studios of the river arts district.
  
• Debris in the river
  Debris flows down the swollen French Broad River. View from the Clingman Avenue bridge.
  
• Restaurant under water
  There won't be too many burgers served at the Wendy's on Biltmore Avenue any time soon.
  
• Traffic in Biltmore
  Traffic was understandably light on Biltmore Avenue, which was under four feet of water from the overflowing Swannanoa River.
  
• Trucking company
  Trucks behind this trucking company, about 150 yards from the Swannanoa River, sit flooded under four feet of water.
  
• Swannanoa River
  View down Governor's View Road, behind Smoky Mountain Petroleum, shows the depth of the floodwaters from the Swannanoa River.