Now that Hurricane Helene has spent herself, it might seem like the worst is over. But some of her effects are long-lasting.

I have friends in SC who are still without power and have been told it likely won’t be restored until Friday, at the earliest. There is so much debris just to get to the power lines, and so much involved in repairing and replacing them, that it’s going to take a while.

I-40 is the main highway through the mountains. When we first moved to TN from SC, I-40 was closed due to a major rockslide that damaged the roads. There was a detour that added about an hour to our route. But with so many bridges and mountain passes damaged now, it’s hard, if not impossible, to get through.

I’ve seen photos of part of I-40 on the edge of a cliff that just washed away. I don’t know how they repair something like that. I don’t know if they cut deeper into the side of the mountain, or if they can somehow build a retaining wall underneath the road. Either way, it’s going to take a long time to repair.

Because trucks with supplies can’t get through, there are lines at gas stations. Stores are starting to run out of some supplies. Many businesses are operating on a cash-only basis because they are without internet service and can’t process credit cards. Of course, many people don’t have ready cash or can’t get to their banks.

Because businesses are closed, some people are not earning money right now. Many can’t afford the unpaid time off.

This is peak tourist season for the Blue Ridge area, as people usually come to see the fall leaf color in the mountains. But a lot of businesses, especially the smaller ones, are closed and under repair.

Besides supply chain and economic issues, many people are still missing. Some have lost loved ones in horrific circumstances.

And that’s just SC, NC, and parts of eastern TN. I imagine parts of FL are facing similar or worse circumstances.

I’ve heard a lot of encouraging news, too. Linemen from our area and others are traveling south to help repair the lines. People are raising funds to help. I even saw someone was taking his mules down to help remove heavy debris.

Please continue to pray for the physical, economic, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of the people affected by Helene.

Updated to add: Unfortunately, tragedies like this bring out scam artists looking to capitalize on people’s sympathy and generosity. If you feel inclined to help or give in any way, please be careful and give or donate only to reputable places. Samaritan’s Purse is one such organization: another is Operation Renewed Hope. There are many more. A lot of churches. groups, and individuals are helping as well.