Amanda Lamb: The leaving for the storm

One of the hardest things about being a television news reporter is leaving your family behind when you have to cover a natural disaster. Not unlike first responders, we are always ready to go when we are called with no end date in sight.

Since 1989, I have covered every hurricane that has impacted the Carolinas beginning with Hugo. I have also covered the aftermath of hurricanes in other states and other countries, including Hurricane Mitch in El Salvador (1998), Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi (2005), Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey (2012), and Hurricane Harvey in Houston (2017).

When a hurricane threatens North Carolina, it is not a matter of if we will be called out, but when.

This time I stocked the pantry with water and canned goods, put batteries in the flashlights and transistor radio, and kissed my husband and daughter goodbye.

It felt different this time because the forecast had the storm directly affecting the Raleigh area. Unlike in 1996 when Hurricane Fran hit our area, I have more to worry about now — specifically a 15-year-old. I also have more to worry about individually — I am not 25 anymore.

How would I weather the proverbial storm this time? Pardon the pun.

The good news is that the storm did not impact the Triangle as expected. This gave me comfort to do my job knowing my family was safe.

The bad news is that so many people in Eastern North Carolina were adversely affected by the storm. My hearts go out to them, especially to the families of those who lost their lives.

And as I write this I know our coverage will continue for many weeks as the damage toll from the storm is just beginning to be assessed.

So, how did I weather the storm? It tested me in ways that I have been tested in the past, but each time is different. Being wet, sleep-deprived, and hungry is not a good combination when you are working many hours. But it is what we do in order to inform the public. The jury is still out, but I now know for sure I am NOT 25...