We Survived Hurricane Florence - From Evacuation to Devastation

We survived Hurricane Florence. There's 4 words I though I'd never say. The latest Married With Microphones episode features Hurricane Florence, from evacuation to devastation in North Carolina.

Evacuation on Emerald Isle, North Carolina, our annual beach vacation destination, began in preparation for Hurricane Florence. We left Wednesday, September 12th, long before everyone else, headed to Kinston, North Carolina were we had a safe place to stay. Florence hit the east coast Thursday, knocking out power to many, including where we were staying. Luckily we had 2 generators to charge cells phones and make coffee every morning.

Tad & Polly Forced to Evacuate for Hurricane Florence

Many others weren't as lucky as Hurricane Florence lashed the east coast with heavy winds and rain, lots and lots of rain, causing flooded roads and homes. The devastation is estimated to be between $17 and $22 million.

Our beautiful beach is gone and the pier is in pieces on Emerald Isle. Inland, the video and photos don't come close to showing the mass devastation or the outpouring of help headed to the Carolinas. As we were finally driving home, taking a long route to New York since I-95 was closed, we passed more trucks on the way to help than we could count.

You can help recovery efforts by texting 90999 and donating $10, or text 20222 to give to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, online at RedCross.org or by calling 1-800-Red-Cross. We will also be collecting items to send south. We'll keep you posted when we have more information on what's needed most.

Thank you to Rick and Joanne for opening up their home and putting up with us for several days. How someone didn't snap in a house with 8 adults, 2 kids, 3 dogs and no power is a small blessing. Prayers to Amy and Rick who are now rebuilding their home as well as everyone else drying out and picking up the pieces from Florence. We may be back home but our hearts are still in North Carolina.