Despite massive piles of storm debris lining the roads, downed utility poles, homes and offices crushed beneath fallen trees and other storm-related destruction, the legal community is beginning to return to work in Wilmington, North Carolina, and surrounding areas more than a week after Hurricane Florence made landfall.
John Anderson, a partner at McGuireWoods in Wilmington, rode out the storm, which left about eight inches of water on the ground floor of his home. After the wind and rain subsided, he went out to find gas to keep his generator running, but instead found extremely long lines at the few pumps that were open. He was unsuccessful the first day, but ventured out again the following morning and was able to buy $50 in gas—after a five-hour wait in line.
