As the devastation of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold across the South, we extend our thoughts to those affected. Hurricane Helene has caused widespread flooding through parts of Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. With hurricane season likely to continue through October, it’s essential to discuss the crucial role CB radios can play in keeping people connected and safe, especially when the cellular network is not working.

Hurricanes like Helene bring destructive winds, torrential rain, and power outages that often lead to the failure of cell towers, leaving many without the means to communicate. In these situations, CB radios become an invaluable tool for truck drivers navigating road closures and families in need of a reliable communication system.

Here’s why CB radios are a lifeline during these difficult times:

Coordinate Emergency Services

First responders rely heavily on CB radios to carry out rescue missions and share vital information. With cell service often down, CB radios provide a direct and effective way to communicate between rescue teams, ensuring timely and efficient coordination in life-threatening situations.

Staying Connected with Family

During a storm, losing communication with loved ones is scary. CB radios offer families a way to stay connected or get in contact with someone they know.

Receive NOAA Weather Alerts

Many CB radios like the RoadKing Bluetooth® CB are equipped with NOAA weather alert features, which provide real-time updates on storms and hazardous weather conditions. These updates allow individuals and truckers to make informed decisions about when to evacuate or seek shelter, or when to take a different route.

Navigating Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath

Hurricane Helene has left parts of the south with severe damage, especially homes and road infrastructure. Sections of Interstate 40, a major route for truckers, was washed away, leaving many drivers facing significant detours.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) reports that 14 bridges remain closed, with five destroyed. Major closures include sections of I-40 and I-26, making difficult travel across state lines, particularly between Tennessee and North Carolina. With no clear timeline for reopening, detours and unfamiliar routes will be the normal for truck drivers navigating the area.

For truck drivers delivering essential goods or navigating holiday traffic, make sure to allocate more time in planning your route. TDOT and DriveNC have been updating its roadway activity reports to include the latest closures and detours. Drivers are strongly encouraged to check these reports before traveling.

Staying Safe on the Road

TDOT has warned that all roads in upper East Tennessee should be considered hazardous. Motorists should avoid unnecessary travel, follow all road closure signs, and never attempt to drive through standing water. North Carolina has also issued reports indicating that access between the states remains limited to local and emergency traffic only, with many areas still assessing damage. People evacuating the Asheville area can use I-40 east or I-26 east. For Helene detours, visit ncdot.gov.

RoadPro sends strength and support to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene, thanking truckers for their resilience in keeping American moving during these difficult times. Stay safe and prepared, and always check for road condition updates before you begin your route!

Please note: This blog was last updated October 3, 2024. Changes to roadways could have changed since. Please check your local news source for the latest updates.