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When Hurricane Helene swept into the mountains of North Carolina on September 24, 2024, Matt and Melinda Self thought they were prepared. Their home in North Asheville sat high on a wooded hill, and like many families, they’d weathered storms before. To play it safe, they set up camp in the basement with their kids, turning it into a makeshift sleepover.
But as the storm raged, it became clear this was no ordinary weather event. Wind roared against the house every 30 seconds, trees crashed down, and water began pouring through light fixtures, outlets, and stairways. The “safe” basement soon flooded, leaving the family scrambling for a dry corner in their garage.
Through fear, they leaned on humor to calm their kids—handing out snacks and cracking jokes amid the chaos. Then came an unexpected knock: their neighbor, braving the hurricane, banging on the windows to reach them. His determination gave the Selfs the chance to escape.
This gripping account shows the raw danger of Hurricane Helene—and the resilience, faith, and community that carried one family through the storm.
Watch the video to see how quick thinking and a neighbor’s courage made survival possible.
