It this Off the Cuff we’re joined by Cody, a lifelong resident of Western North Carolina, who shares an emotional, firsthand account of surviving a catastrophic storm that devastated his community. Cody, who lives in Fairview with his wife and son, describes how an area known for its refuge from storms became the epicenter of destruction. From mudslides that wiped out homes and cut off roads to the shocking reality of food and water shortages, Cody takes us through the harrowing events of that day.
What began as an ordinary morning quickly turned into a battle for survival. Cody recalls the frantic decision to leave his home as his driveway washed away, only to find both escape routes blocked by landslides. He and his wife helped elderly neighbors reach safety, but the aftermath extended beyond the storm—lootings, supply chain breakdowns, and a glaring lack of government response added to the chaos.
Cody reflects on the overwhelming sense of helplessness that set in as essential supplies dwindled and help remained out of reach. It’s a story of resilience, of neighbors stepping up when systems failed, and the stark realization that even the most prepared communities can be left vulnerable in the face of disaster.