Along the winding mountainous backroads of western North Carolina, fallen timber from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene almost six months ago stretches as far as the eye can see.
It is a sight that greets Kristi Rodda every day. On Sept. 27, 2024, Helene delivered hurricane-strength winds, tornadoes, floods, landslides, and mudslides to western North Carolina. Days later, Rodda arrived as a volunteer, planning to stay for a few weeks and then return home to Missouri.
However, the cybersecurity industry professional decided to stay on and continues to volunteer for multiple local organizations that are contributing to the region’s long-term recovery….