Podcast Summary: "When the Lights Went Out: Anchor Moms Reflect on Helene"
Introduction
In the poignant episode titled "When the Lights Went Out: Anchor Moms Reflect on Helene," Off the Radar, hosted by National Weather Desk Meteorologist Emily Gracey, delves into the harrowing experiences of two local news anchors, Katie Killen and Karen Zakalak. Released on May 6, 2025, this episode honors Mother's Day by exploring the dual roles of these journalists as both reporters and mothers during the catastrophic Hurricane Helene.
Personal Experiences During Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina in September, bringing unprecedented devastation far inland. Unlike typical hurricanes, Helene transformed into a catastrophic flood event, causing widespread infrastructure failure and isolating entire communities. Katie Killen and Karen Zakalak, seasoned reporters for WLO West and Asheville, found themselves directly affected as the storm obliterated the power grid and communication networks.
Katie shared a terrifying incident:
"[14:26] Karen Zakalak: So we weren't inside. My husband were actually. We were out of town for our 10th anniversary and our daughter was staying with a friend in a different part of town. And we had a house sitter staying at our house to take care of our pets."
"Katie Killen: ...a tree fell on our house. It was almost apocalyptic... we had to take back roads and got back into town, only to find our kitchen destroyed and our house partially submerged."
Managing Professional and Parental Roles
As Helene intensified, Katie and Karen were not only covering the disaster but also grappling with their own crises. Karen recalled the emotional toll:
"[18:28] Karen Zakalak: ...I got to get home to my kids. And he said, I don't think you can make it."
Balancing their responsibilities as news anchors and parents, they were thrust into a relentless news cycle while their families faced the storm's immediate dangers. Karen described the tense atmosphere in the studio:
"[18:41] Katie Killen: ...on air for like eight hours straight that morning, and we finally kind of switched people out and I just started crying... I had to try to get to my exit."
Impact on Family Life and Children
The hurricane had profound effects on their families. Katie's daughter, River, experienced trauma when she broke her arm shortly after the storm:
"[26:30] Katie Killen: ...river broke her arm. We ended up in the emergency room on that Sunday... it was terrifying."
Karen emphasized the challenges of explaining the disaster to young children:
"[30:31] Karen Zakalak: ...trying to explain to them that we're safe, it's going to be okay. But also we're like, are we okay?"
Despite the chaos, the experience fostered resilience in both mothers and children. Katie reflected:
"[02:06] Katie Killen: I think it's definitely made us more resilient. It's just funny what your kids can kind of teach you as well... it's made me a different person and a better person."
Community Response and Resilience
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene saw communities banding together in extraordinary ways. With traditional communication channels down, radio stations became lifelines, providing essential information and support:
"[20:17] Katie Killen: ...the radio stations really stepped up. They just went wall to wall coverage. People would call in, they would say they were missing people, about where people could get supplies and water."
Karen highlighted the resurgence of neighborly interactions:
"[43:08] Karen Zakalak: ...neighbors and communities and families took care of each other in those first couple of days. It was really powerful."
Lessons Learned and Advice
Reflecting on their ordeal, Katie and Karen offer valuable advice for disaster preparedness:
- Have a Plan: Ensure that families have a clear emergency plan, including meeting points if separated.
- Stock Essentials: Keep a supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and essential supplies like batteries and headlamps.
- Stay Informed: Utilize weather radios and other reliable sources to receive timely updates.
- Community Support: Foster strong neighborhood ties to enhance collective resilience during crises.
Katie advised:
"[34:01] Katie Killen: ...have a plan. Like where would your family meet if you emergency and you get separated."
Karen added:
"[34:33] Katie Killen: ...we leave headlamps in our car and our consoles. It's just something to think about so that when this sort of thing does happen, you're not scrambling."
Conclusion
The episode poignantly captures the intersection of professional duty and personal struggle during a natural disaster. Katie Killen and Karen Zakalak's experiences during Hurricane Helene underscore the importance of preparedness, community support, and the resilience of families facing unprecedented challenges. Their reflections not only honor the strength of motherhood but also provide essential insights for listeners on navigating and surviving such catastrophic events.
Notable Quotes
- Karen Zakalak [00:49]: "I mean, I couldn't get ahold of my husband to know if my family was okay. And I just started crying."
- Katie Killen [02:06]: "I think it's definitely made us more resilient... made me a different person and a better person."
- Katie Killen [14:26]: "A tree fell on our house. It was almost apocalyptic."
- Karen Zakalak [18:28]: "I got to get home to my kids. And he said, I don't think you can make it."
- Karen Zakalak [30:31]: "We're safe, it's going to be okay. But also we're like, are we okay?"
- Katie Killen [34:01]: "Have a plan. Like where would your family meet if you emergency and you get separated."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key themes and personal narratives from the episode, providing listeners with a detailed understanding of Katie and Karen's experiences during Hurricane Helene.