Storm Stories

According to research conducted by Shoresides, the National Weather Service Office  in Wilmington, North Carolina, which played a pivotal role in predicting and tracking Hurricane Florence in 2018, may now be understaffed. In this episode of Storm Stories, we hear from the meteorologist at Joe Zambon about the 2025 hurricane season and the challenges of forecasting the next  N.C. storm under new federal budget cuts. Support the show

This is the story of a beach storm no one saw coming—and the lessons we can't afford to forget. In this episode of Storm Stories, Mayor Lynn Barbie of Carolina Beach helps us look back at the intense rainfall that hit Carolina Beach last year—a slow-motion disaster with no howling winds, no storm surge, just rising water and a community left to pick up the pieces. As the media focused on the devastating impacts of Helene and Milton, this storm and how it affected coastal North Carolina was easy to miss, as well as what happened after.Three steps we can take to build resilience and foster community collaboration:1. Advocate for Improved Stormwater Management• Residents can attend town hall meetings and voice support for investments in stormwater infrastructure, including upgrading drainage systems, retention ponds, and permeable surfaces.• Encourage local officials to apply for state and federal grants focused on flood mitigation.2. Promote Community Flood Preparedness• Form or join a local resilience task force to develop neighborhood-based flood preparedness plans.• Organize workshops with local meteorologists and emergency managers to educate residents on flood insurance, evacuation procedures, and emergency supply kits.3. Support Sustainable Land Use Policies• Advocate for responsible zoning laws that limit development in low-lying, flood-prone areas.• Encourage nature-based solutions like restoring wetlands, increasing green spaces, and maintaining coastal vegetation to absorb excess water.• Partner with environmental organizations to monitor and maintain stormwater management systems.Taking these steps would not only build resilience within the community but also foster collaboration between residents, policymakers, and environmental expertsPhotographer: Callaghan O'Hare/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesSupport the show

After a hurricane upends everything, the void left behind—solastalgia—can be as destabilizing as the storm itself. In this episode of Storm Stories, we hear from Angie Bailey of North Carolina's Broadband Infrastructure Office on efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring communities aren't cut off when they need connectivity the most. And in Utica, Mississippi, Carlton Turner reflects on bringing internet access to his town while grappling with the social and political costs of digital expansion.How to Evaluate Broadband Access in Your Community: A 10-Step Guide for Local LeadersAccess to reliable and affordable broadband is essential for education, work, healthcare, and economic growth. Yet, many communities still struggle with slow speeds, high costs, and service gaps. If you're a community leader looking to assess broadband access in your area, here's how you can take action.1. Start with a Listening TourTalk to residents, schools, businesses, and healthcare providers about their internet experience. Are there dead zones? Is service too expensive? Does it support remote work and learning? Gather real stories to guide your efforts.2. Run a Community Speed Test CampaignEncourage residents to test their internet speeds using tools like the FCC's Speed Test app or Measurement Lab. This will help you compare actual performance against what providers advertise.3. Identify Areas Without ServiceMap out which neighborhoods have little or no broadband access. This may include rural areas, low-income neighborhoods, or places where providers claim to offer service but don't.4. Survey Households and BusinessesCreate a simple online and paper survey asking residents about their internet provider, cost, reliability, and whether they feel their needs are being met. Schools and libraries can help distribute surveys.5. Check Internet AffordabilityInvestigate broadband prices in your area and whether residents can afford them. See if people qualify for federal programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) but aren't using them.6. Meet with Internet ProvidersSet up meetings with local broadband providers to discuss coverage gaps, speed concerns, and future expansion plans. Ask about any upcoming infrastructure upgrades or partnerships they might be open to.7. Look for Funding OpportunitiesMany state and federal grants exist to expand broadband access, such as the BEAD Program (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment). Work with local government or nonprofits to explore funding options.8. Build a Coalition for ChangeBring together schools, businesses, healthcare organizations, and local government to advocate for better broadband. Strong partnerships can drive real improvements.9. Push for Policy ChangesIf outdated regulations or monopoly control are blocking better service, work with elected officials to explore policy solutions, such as municipal broadband or open-access networks.10. Keep the Pressure OnBroadband expansion takes time. Keep tracking progress, sharing updates with your community, and holding providers and policymakers accountable until real improvements happen.Support the show

After Hurricane Helene, the damage wasn't just physical—it left an invisible scar on the mental health of survivors. Environmental epidemiologist Dr. Jen Runkle joins Storm Stories to explore how disasters like Helene disrupt communities long after the floodwaters recede. She shares insights from her research on the psychological aftermath of hurricanes, particularly among young people and pregnant women.10 Essential Tips for Children Coping with Storm TraumaShare Your Feelings: Speak with a trusted adult about what you're experiencing.Maintain a Routine: A regular schedule can bring a sense of normalcy.Express Yourself Creatively: Use drawing, writing, or music to show your emotions.Practice Relaxation: Simple deep-breathing exercises can help ease stress.Stay Active: Gentle physical activity can improve your mood.Connect with Loved Ones: Spend time with family and friends who care for you.Create a Safe Space: Arrange a small area at home where you feel secure.Play as a Way to Heal: Enjoy playtime as it naturally helps process feelings.Ask for Support: Reach out to teachers, counselors, or trusted adults when needed.Be Patient: Understand that healing takes time and it's okay to feel upset.Support the show

In 2018, Hurricane Florence devastated coastal North Carolina, leaving Yvonne Pittaway's home in Carteret County torn apart, and her missing it. After Hurricane Helene tore through North Carolina, residents faced more than just physical devastation, too—they grappled with the emotional aftermath. In this episode of Storm Stories, Brandon Romstadt of WNC Health Network shares how public health communicators crafted trauma-informed messaging to support storm survivors, while environmental epidemiologist Jen Runkle starts to talk about the intersection of disaster, sadness and fear that emerged after Hurricane Florence.Trauma-Informed Communication: 10 Essential Tips for NonprofitsEducate Your Team: Ensure all staff understand trauma and its effects.Empathic Language: Use language that validates feelings and experiences.Clarity is Key: Provide clear, consistent, and accessible information.Engage Community Voices: Involve survivors in shaping messaging.Prioritize Safety: Create messaging that avoids triggering traumatic memories.Focus on Strengths: Emphasize resilience and available support.Tailor Communication: Adapt messages for diverse audiences and needs.Use Multiple Channels: Distribute information via trusted platforms.Foster Trust: Maintain transparency about recovery efforts.Review and Adapt: Regularly assess and update communication strategies.Support the show

In this episode of Storm Stories, we explore the complexities of disaster giving, from the impact of misinformation to the critical need for long-term recovery efforts. Through expert insights Stephanie Watkins-Cruz  and of the North Carolina Housing Coalition and Tanya Gulliver-Garcia the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and we uncover the systemic challenges of funding rural and invisible disasters, the power of media-driven donations, and the importance of rethinking how we respond to extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene.  To create this story we read and listened to quite a bit of the work done by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.  Below is a summary of our notes. 10 Lessons Inspired by the Center for Disaster PhilanthropyDisaster recovery demands more than immediate relief. The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) has shown how intentional funding and planning can strengthen communities. Here are ten takeaways inspired by their work:Invest in Long-Term RecoveryEmergency response is just the start. True recovery happens in the years that follow when rebuilding homes, infrastructure, and trust.Support Underserved CommunitiesDisasters often hit marginalized populations hardest. Prioritizing equity ensures no one is left behind.Empower Local LeadershipLocal leaders know their communities best. Trust them to identify and implement solutions.Fund HolisticallyFrom mental health services to economic development, effective disaster philanthropy addresses the full spectrum of needs.Prepare for Future RisksProactive investments in preparedness and mitigation save lives and resources when disaster strikes.Focus on ResilienceHelp communities become stronger and more adaptable, reducing vulnerabilities to future crises.Partner Across SectorsCollaboration among nonprofits, governments, and businesses ensures a coordinated response and recovery.Center Lived ExperienceThe voices of those directly impacted by disasters should inform every stage of the recovery process.Adapt Funding ModelsFlexible, multi-year funding allows organizations to respond effectively to evolving needs.Learn and ShareEvery disaster provides lessons. Sharing knowledge strengthens the global response to future challenges.By applying these principles, inspired by the CDP, we can create a more compassionate and effective approach to disaster philanthropy—one that not only responds but rebuilds stronger communities. https://disasterphilanthropy.org/Support the show

In this Storm Stories episode, pulled from the Shoresides' archive, we revisit the resilience of Pender County, North Carolina, in the wake of Hurricane Florence—a story that resonates now, as flooding again affects communities across North Carolina. Disaster counselor Jennifer Witkowski shares how long-term recovery goes beyond immediate cleanup, demanding sustained volunteer efforts and deep emotional resilience. Jennifer discusses the vital, yet daunting, work of demucking and rebuilding—efforts that continue years after the storm has passed. Hosted and produced by Laura Bratton, this episode captures the reality of ongoing recovery in a rural place.Support the show

Welcome to Storm Stories, a Shoresides original podcast, where we explore the human experiences and science behind hurricanes in North Carolina. Host Rend Smith speaks with Imhotep Dlanod, a musician displaced by Hurricane Katrina who is now facing the impacts of storms and flooding in Asheville. Alongside Imhotep's reflections on resilience and culture, meteorologist Joe Zambon from Fathom Science provides expert insights into the increasing severity of these weather events. From personal stories of survival to the science of storm patterns, Storm Stories uncovers how communities endure and adapt. Listen in wherever you get your podcasts.Support the show

What can I do now to prepare for a future hurricane?This month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released an updated forecast of above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic, predicting between 14 and 21 named storms.In the face of a hurricane, and other weather events, preparation is your best defense. Here's how you can ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.The most important thing to do now, before any hurricane warnings, is to make a plan.This PSA gives useful tips for before the storm and after the storm.BEFORE THE STORMPrepare an emergency kit, including cash, prescription medicines and three days' worth of food and water (for people and pets). If your house floods and you can't return immediately, this kit will be essential. Be sure to consider provisions for those with special needs, like older people. Emergency KitStart by assembling an emergency kit. It should include cash, three days of non-perishable food (for people and pets), water, medications, a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit,  documents, and cash.Evacuation PlanCreate an evacuation plan. Know your local evacuation routes and shelters. Communicate the plan with your family members, and practice it regularly. If you live in a coastal area, it's important to become familiar with community evacuation plans, zones, and routes. And plan a meeting spot for your family. Don't count on cell phones.  Remember hurricanes can impact communities far inland away from the coast.Stay InformedListen to local news media for the most up-to-date information on how to prepare and when to evacuate from the area. Have a battery-powered weather radio and a way to charge your cell phone. Sign up for emergency alerts.Secure Your HomeReinforce windows, doors, and garage doors. Trim trees and shrubs, and secure outdoor objects that could become projectiles.Stock up on supplies. Don't forget essentials like baby supplies, pet food, and hygiene items. Ensure you have enough for several days.Emergency ContactsCompile a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and neighbors. Make sure everyone knows how to reach each other.Check InsuranceReview your insurance policies, ensuring they cover hurricane damage. Take photos or videos of your belongings for documentation.Medications and HealthIf you rely on medications or have special health needs, ensure you have a supply to last through the storm and its aftermath.Secure Important DocumentsProtect important documents. Keep copies in a waterproof container or digitally, including passports, IDs, and insurance policies.AFTER THE STORMCheck on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with special needs. After the hurricane passes, be cautious. Watch out for downed power lines, flooding, and other hazards. Avoid floodwaters. Water is dangerous.  Many fatalities and injuries in past storms have come from exposure to bacteria and chemicals in the water.Come together as a community.Remember, hurricanes can be unpredictable, but with careful preparation and a sense of community, we can weather the storm together.Visit the New Hanover County Emergency Management website for more useful information.Support the show

Want to vote early in coastal North Carolina? Here's how.¿Quieres votar temprano en la costa de Carolina del Norte? Escucha este anuncio. Support the show (https://shoresides.org/support/)

This is an important message from the New Hanover Disaster Coalition: There is free testing for COVID-19 in New Hanover County. All you have to do is call 910-798-6800 to talk with a nurse to setup an appointment. That is 910-798-6800 to set up a free COVID-19 test in New Hanover County. Support the show (https://shoresides.org/support/)

Illicit drug users face unique challenges during disasters like Hurricane Florence and COVID-19. What happens when dealers leave town or shelter-in-place? How do overdose rates change? Find out on this week's episode of Storm Stories.Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

When people living with HIV in coastal North Carolina talk about how they prepared for Hurricane Florence, their considerations are about the same as the average person - with exceptions.HIV-positive community members have to think about their medications - how they'll get them and where they'll store them. They have to think about access to healthcare, and whether they feel comfortable disclosing their status to whoever they stay with during the storm. And the anxiety that accompanies these considerations is much like the anxiety people are feeling during the COVID-19 outbreak.Storm Stories is a collection of stories about the effects of hurricanes. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

In this episode, we explore how the coronavirus pandemic is impacting people who are still in recovery from Hurricane Florence. We also talk about how our experience with hurricanes in coastal North Carolina has prepared us to deal with the impacts of COVID-19 - and how it hasn't.Storm Stories is a collection of stories about the effects of hurricanes. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

For the second episode of Storm Stories, we're diving deep into the transactional sex industry during and after hurricanes. How does the market for transactional sex change when natural disasters hit, and how do sex workers deal with these changes? We talk to Katie, who tells us about the days leading up to and following Hurricane Florence, and Rebecca, executive director of the nonprofit Five14 Revolution.Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

We kick off Season 2 of Storm Stories with stories about the struggle for affordable housing in the year and a half since Hurricane Florence. In this episode, two women tell us about losing their homes and communities and what they're doing about it.Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

In this short special, grassroots journalist and activist Yndiana Montes discusses how our water sources are impacted by discharge from the hog and poultry industries after storms. Montes uses audio clips from meetings with the Cape Fear River watch to support what she sees happening in her community. Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

Storm Stories podcast asked folks to call in messages of support to their neighbors and the response so far has been overwhelming - over 45 calls across 7 counties. Take a listen, and consider sharing your own message of encouragement by calling 910-604-6519. We will keep adding to and sharing these messages! #ilmstrong #dorian #hurricanedorianSupport the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

During a disaster, whether to evacuate or stay is probably the most critical decision you can make. What goes into it? For Chris Depompeis the answer is complicated. Storm Stories is a collection of stories from Hurricane Florence. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Learn more at www.workingnarratives.orgSupport the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

When Hurricane Florence struck, the city of Wilmington got plenty of attention from media outlets and government agencies. But few had the ability to do what community activist Cedric Harrison did, which was to witness all the ways poverty and disaster intersect. Storm Stories is a collection of stories from Hurricane Florence. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Learn more at www.workingnarratives.org Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

As climate change pushes ocean temperatures higher, the damage from hurricanes will increase. There’s the government response to these history-making disasters, and then there’s the response of people like trauma specialist Franchon Francees. Storm Stories is a collection of stories from Hurricane Florence. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Learn more at www.workingnarratives.org Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

Every disaster has its evacuees, people who do just as they’re told and leave once the government sounds the alarm. But what happens when they have nothing to return to? Gerry Lenahan tells us what it’s like to lose everything and what it’s like to rebuild. Storm Stories is a collection of stories from Hurricane Florence. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Learn more at www.workingnarratives.org Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

As Hurricane Florence battered the Southeast, some had no choice but to stay. Before, during, and after the hurricane, the 911 calls kept coming, and first responders like Aaron Kasulis met them head on. Storm Stories is a collection of stories from Hurricane Florence. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Learn more at www.workingnarratives.orgSupport the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

Gloria Walters is one of a growing number of people adapting to the new realities of climate change displacement. Hit by Hurricanes Matthew and Florence, her hometown of Fair Bluff North Carolina lost half its population and is considered a ghost town now. What’s it like to be hurricane refugee?Storm Stories is a collection of stories from Hurricane Florence. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Learn more at www.workingnarratives.org Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)

Sometimes resiliency isn’t just about personal fortitude. Hurricanes show us exactly who we are by showing us exactly how much we need each other. As Lacy Shannon learned, the challenges community members encounter and the solutions they build bring them together. Storm Stories: Storm Stories is a collection of stories from Hurricane Florence. This podcast and radio series explores resilience and recovery in the coastal region through local stories.Learn more at www.workingnarratives.org Support the show (https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/working-narratives)