Carter Infinger
Commission Chairman
As we near the end of the 2024 hurricane season, it’s a moment to reflect on the unprecedented challenges and remarkable unity that have shaped Bryan County and its neighbors over the past months. This season has tested our resilience like never before, bringing extraordinary weather events that will be remembered for years to come.
Among the most significant events was the record-breaking rainfall from Tropical Storm Debby, which led to once-in-a-lifetime flooding across our region. In areas like Richmond Hill and Morgan Bridge, neighborhoods were inundated, with water levels rising to historic highs and leaving many homes and streets submerged for days. Highway 17, a critical route between Bryan and Chatham counties, was forced to close due to impassable floodwaters—a rare occurrence that underscored the scale of the disaster.
Yet, even as roads were blocked and homes were flooded, our community pulled together in remarkable ways. Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers reached out to those in need, and volunteers turned out in droves to assist with cleanup, food distribution, and shelter needs. During these trying times, we saw the very best of humanity as Bryan County residents supported one another, proving that our bonds are stronger than any storm.
Just as we began to recover, Hurricane Helene brought another challenge with record-breaking power outages, leaving over 85% of Bryan County in the dark. Some residents endured multiple days without electricity, managing through the heat and inconvenience with patience and resourcefulness. The widespread outages served as a stark reminder of our reliance on essential services and the remarkable efforts needed to restore them under such conditions.
We owe a deep debt of gratitude to the first responders, utility workers, non-profit organizations, and community volunteers who worked tirelessly in the aftermath of these storms. The dedicated staff of the City of Richmond Hill, the City of Pembroke, and Bryan County put in countless hours, often at great personal cost, to ensure that our community had the resources it needed to recover. They showed unwavering commitment, helping to bring order and safety to the chaos left behind by each storm.
As we enter November, tropical activity may be waning, but hurricane season isn’t over until November 30. Let’s all continue to be vigilant, stay informed, and be prepared for severe weather. This season has shown us that, while we can’t control nature’s forces, we can control our readiness and our response.
To everyone who lent a hand, opened their homes, or volunteered time and resources, we thank you. This season has proven once again that Bryan County is a community of strength, resilience, and unity.
Carter Infinger is the Bryan County Commission Chairman.