Wedding venue in Blue Ridge, GA for couples in Concord, NC

From above, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, looks almost serene — the hills’ jagged edges in fog, creeks and rivers twisting through the green like capillaries. From there, you wouldn’t know Gatlinburg’s babies don’t have formula.

But there’s been no running water in the area since remnants of Hurricane Helene tore through the mountain community on Thursday. Many residents still don’t have power.

Gatlinburg’s airport reopened Tuesday for the first time since Helene struck, and Jillian Gorrell was there to greet the seventh plane to touch down there that morning – a small CJ2+ from Concord, North Carolina. It was carrying over 1,000 pounds of diapers, baby formula, clothes and first aid supplies with eight more planes expected to follow.

“We desperately need medical supplies, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, trash bags,” said Gorrell, a resident of the area and lecturer in the school of natural resources at the University of Tennessee in nearby Knoxville.

With roads and bridges in the area devoured and mangled in Helene’s wake, it was the first assistance many in the area were able to get, she said.

“Roads are gone, landmarks are gone…,” Gorrell said, teary-eyed, with her voice beginning to break. “Our area is hurting, but we’re pulling together, and we really appreciate everything people are doing for us.”

The pilots making the delivery were volunteers with Operation Airdrop, a disaster relief nonprofit, that has mobilized to deliver thousands of pounds of donated goods to western North Carolina, southern Appalachia, and other hard hit areas. Some, including Byron MacRae and Owen Williams, take off from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, just northeast of Charlotte.

“We got to Asheville about 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, and they had just gotten power back about 10 minutes before we were landing,” Williams said of the first trip he took after the storm, delivering 1,500 pounds of goods to the hard-hit Buncombe County city. “The mission has evolved with every trip we take as we learn more about what people need, what areas need us the most and how to spread the word to people that can help.”

Operation Airdrop pilots have carried canned food, utensils, cleaning supplies, diapers, bottled water, feminine hygiene products, first aid supplies and more to small airfields in the North Carolina mountains, including Ashe County, Wilkes County and Banner Elk, in addition to parts of Tennessee and South Carolina.

With help from the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Carolina Aviators Network, Operation Airdrop and affiliated volunteers delivered eight tons of supplies from Concord, Statesville and Hickory to western North Carolina on Sunday alone. On Monday, 50,000 pounds of supplies left Concord aboard 75 flights.

Getting crucial supplies to those in storm-battered Western North Carolina remains one of the top Helene-recovery priorities. It’s a massive effort involving federal, state and local governments, along with volunteers with groups like Operation Airdrop.

The organization started in 2017 after Hurricane Harvey dumped over 27 trillion gallons of rain in southeast Texas. Its founders, Doug Jackson and Robert Johnson from Dallas, flew supplies to the greater Houston area.

After Harvey, they launched Operation Airdrop, with the mission of delivering supplies in times of disaster to small communities cut off by storm damage that the Federal Emergency Management Agency couldn’t immediately reach.

“We keep an eye on the weather as soon as hurricane season starts, and when we saw this one coming, we immediately reached out to pilots to see if they could get ready to help,” said Shaun Carroll, a Durham resident who’s been volunteering with Operation Airdrop since 2018.

Carroll weaved through rows of supplies in an airplane hangar in Concord Monday, as around 100 volunteers sorted donations into neat stacks to be weighed and loaded onto waiting planes.

The whole place was humming with purpose. Volunteers loaded supplies onto pallets donated from a Walmart down the street. Pilots from around the country filtered in and announced they had a few hours to spare, as Operation Airdrop organizers huddled around a table in the back of the room, monitoring weather conditions and dispatching pilots to areas they knew they could reach.

“That’s the beautiful thing about Airdrop,” Carroll said. “It’s kind of like what Mr. Rogers used to say: ‘Look for the helpers.’ You’ll find them everywhere.”

On Tuesday, the Concord-Padgett Airport operation had reached its capacity for volunteers by 10 a.m. even as people continued to come in to offer help.

Ben Spells is a local organizer for another airlift effort in Statesville, which a group of local individuals put together in collaboration with Operation Airdrop. Water remains one of the most high-need items in communities impacted by Helene, he said.

“We’ve heard from several people that there’s either no water or there’s a boil advisory or water treatment plants are just completely destroyed,” he said.

However, water can require larger planes to transport it, since it tends to be heavy and planes have a limit on the weight they can move at a time.

“While water is really heavy, we’re trying to make sure we can get water to as many people as possible,” Carroll said. “Water purification is a really big thing we’re trying to get out there: LifeStraws, tablets, filters, that kind of thing, just because there’s a big water issue right now.”

Collecting donations is the easy part, Spells said. They get them from local individuals as well as corporations.

To distribute them, they reach out to organizations in hard-hit areas that can help, and, with communication severely limited in the region, it’s no simple task.

“We try to connect with verified people out there, like churches, nonprofits, food banks, fire departments, just folks that can meet the planes when they get there and tell them where to go. It depends on the location,” Spells said.

“We’ve honestly had a hard time finding people with a lot of people lacking electricity and cell service, but it’s getting easier as more people come back online,” he added.

In Gatlinburg, MacRae and Williams unloaded supplies from the CJ2+ into waiting pickup trucks ready to head to two local churches for distribution. Then, they fueled up, strapped back in and watched the green beneath them turn to white as they rose above clouds.

Time for another delivery.

Operation Airdrop will continue collecting donations of household necessities throughout the week, as long as roads in and out of western North Carolina remain blocked. Supplies can be delivered to the drop-off center in the parking lot of Walmart at 5825 Thunder Road NW in Concord.

This story was originally published October 2, 2024, 5:30 AM.

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October 04, 2024 3:38 PM

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Published 6:04 am Friday, September 27, 2024

On Friday at 5:57 a.m. an updated flash flood warning was issued by the National Weather Service in effect until 10 a.m. The warning is for Cabarrus, Mecklenburg and Union counties.

“At 5:57 a.m., Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated heavy rain falling across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Union (NC) counties. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Rocky River above Irish Buffalo Creek is at 15.5 feet and climbing which is leading to ongoing nuisance flooding in the area. Other nearby small streams are likely bankfull or out of their banks. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are imminent as tropical rainbands lift north this morning and will result in flash flooding,” says the NWS. “Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas.”

Locations impacted by the warning include Uptown Charlotte, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Downtown Concord, Monroe, Central Charlotte, South Charlotte, East Charlotte, Northeast Charlotte, Southwest Charlotte, Northwest Charlotte, West Concord, Matthews, Cornelius, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Davidson, Weddington, Stallings and Unionville.

According to the NWS, “Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.”

A flash flood warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood-prone area, move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

A flood advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.

A flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

In flood-prone regions or while camping in low-lying areas, understanding and following the NWS flood safety guidelines can be a lifesaver:

Move to higher ground:

If you’re in a flood-prone area, or if you’re camping in a low-lying spot, move to higher ground as a first step.

Follow evacuation orders:

When local authorities issue an evacuation order, promptly comply. Before leaving, secure your home by locking it.

Disconnect utilities and appliances:

If time allows, disconnect your utilities and appliances. This reduces the risk of electrical hazards during flooding.

Steer clear of flooded basements and submerged areas:

Avoid basements or rooms submerged in water with electrical outlets or cords. Preventing electrical accidents is crucial.

Evacuate promptly for safety:

If you notice sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping, or popping noises, evacuate immediately. Avoid any water that may be charged with electricity.

Refrain from walking in floodwaters:

Never attempt to walk through floodwaters. Even just 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.

Seek higher ground when trapped:

In the event you become trapped by moving water, make your way to the highest point available and contact emergency services by calling 911.

During heavy rainfall, the risk of flooding is heightened, especially in low-lying and flood-prone regions. Always remember never to drive through water on the road, no matter how shallow it appears. According to the NWS, as little as 12 inches of rapidly flowing water can carry away most vehicles. Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.

When heavy rain sets in, the risk of flooding and hazardous driving conditions rises. Whether it’s prolonged rainfall or rapid runoff, being prepared is essential. Here are some valuable safety tips from the NWS to ensure you stay safe in heavy rain:

Beware of swollen waterways:

Avoid parking or walking in close proximity to culverts or drainage ditches, as the swiftly moving water during heavy rain can potentially carry you away.

Maintain safe driving distances:

Use the two-second rule to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and allow an extra two seconds in heavy rain.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, reducing your speed is crucial. Ease off the gas pedal gradually and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

Turn on your headlights and be careful of other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas as they are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Watch out for slippery roads:

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Source: The National Weather Service

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What is the best internet provider in Concord?

We didn’t have internet when I grew up in Concord and Kannapolis. That’s not a “back in my day” statement; home internet wasn’t a thing then, aside from early iterations of AOL. By the time I moved to Charlotte and, eventually, just across the southern state border, AT&T and Time Warner Cable (later to become Spectrum) had emerged as the two big players in the area. Others, like Kinetic, my top pick for the best internet provider in Concord, followed shortly after. Now there are plenty of options for Concord residents to choose from.

Kinetic stands out in Concord for its high availability of fiber-optic internet, fast speeds and favorable service terms like unlimited data and no contract requirements. Not everyone in Concord will be serviceable for Kinetic, however, which is where other top providers including Spectrum, T-Mobile Home Internet and, more recently, Google Fiber come into play.

Best internet service providers in Concord

The best internet provider for your Concord home will depend on what’s available in your area and what you’re looking for. I lean towards the high-speed, high-value fiber plans from Kinetic, but if you’re looking for a low-cost wireless alternative, T-Mobile may be your best option. Spectrum is also a solid choice, particularly if you want to bundle internet and TV service together. And virtually no provider can compare to Google Fiber when it comes to gig service. You’ll find more details about each provider, including Concord availability, pricing and service details, below.

Note: The prices, speeds and features detailed in the article text may differ from those listed in the product detail cards, which represent providers’ national offerings. Your particular internet service options -- including prices and speeds -- depend on your address and may differ from those detailed here.

All internet providers in Concord

The providers listed above aren’t the only ones you may come across in Concord, just the ones I’d recommend most and consider first if I were back in my hometown. Here’s a look at all your possible, practical options for internet service in Concord, North Carolina.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data

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Best Concord ISP honorable mentions

These providers are also technically available in Concord, but lack the availability or value to be included with CNET’s picks of the best.

AT&T Fiber: Coverage from Charlotte and Mecklenburg County spills over into Concord, but not by much. Those just north of Concord Mills are most likely to be eligible for service, but if you’re any further north into Cabarrus County, look to Kinetic or possibly Google Fiber for fiber internet.

Kinetic (DSL): As mentioned above, most Concord residents can get Kinetic internet service, but not all will be eligible for fiber. Those who can’t get fiber will have to rely on Kinetic’s DSL network, which is actually better than most. Speeds of 50Mbps to 200Mbps are possible depending on where you live, and the no-contract, unlimited data service starts at just $40 a month.

Verizon 5G Home Internet: Verizon is another popular option for 5G home internet service, but its Concord coverage isn’t as good as T-Mobile. If you can get service, expect max download speeds ranging from 50 to 300Mbps starting at $60 a month or 85 to 1,000 starting at $80. Verizon wireless customers can get discounts on home internet with qualifying mobile plans.

Satellite internet: For rural areas -- and I know there are still some in Concord despite how much the area has changed in the last decade -- satellite internet may be the only option for broadband. HughesNet, Starlink and Viasat offer service throughout Concord and Cabarrus County, though pricing is high while speeds and data allowances are low (though Starlink may offer some relief to the speed and data drawbacks). I’d recommend making sure no other options are available before resorting to satellite internet.

Internet pricing in Concord

The average starting price for internet (excluding satellite) in Concord is $51 a month. That's not exactly cheap internet, but Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber bring the average up.

Between the three largest Concord ISPs -- Kinetic, T-Mobile and Spectrum -- the average starting price is around $43 a month assuming no mobile discounts from T-Mobile or Spectrum. That’s lower than the average starting cost for internet in Charlotte, and select plans from Spectrum may be priced lower in Concord than Charlotte thanks to the local competition from Kinetic.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data

Internet speeds in Concord

Concord had a median download speed of 282Mbps in the most recent speed test data from Ookla. That’s higher than the state average (215Mbps) and the national average (207Mbps). Google Fiber showed the fastest speed range, 203 to 619Mbps, but it’s important to note the provider’s lowest speed tier is 1,000Mbps.

Source: CNET analysis of provider data

Recap of Concord internet providers

For the most part, home internet options in Concord are as good as anywhere. I consider Kinetic by Windstream to be the best provider in the area thanks to its broad fiber coverage and competitive pricing, but the best Concord ISP for your home will depend on your specific needs and address. Google Fiber, Spectrum and T-Mobile are also decent choices in their own right, so it’s important to explore and compare all your internet options before deciding which is best for you.

How CNET chose the best internet providers in Concord

Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it’s impractical to personally test every ISP in a given city. So what’s our approach? We start by researching the pricing, availability and speed information drawing on our own historical ISP data, the provider sites and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.

But it doesn’t end there. We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we’re considering every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. To evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service, we look at sources including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of the time of publication.

Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:

While the answer to those questions is often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to “yes” on all three are the ones we recommend.

To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.

Concord internet providers FAQs

Is internet in Concord any good?

Median download speeds in Concord are higher than the state and national averages, according to recent Ookla speed test data. Additionally, starting prices for home internet are lower than in many surrounding areas, including Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Kinetic and Spectrum are arguably the best options for low-cost, high-speed internet in Concord as both offer max download speeds of 500Mbps starting at $40 a month.

Does Concord have fiber internet?

Yes. Fiber internet is available to approximately 67% of Concord residences. Kinetic by Windstream is the largest fiber provider in Concord, though Google Fiber has a growing fiber presence in the area as well.

Is AT&T internet available in Concord?

Yes, but only to less than 5% of homes, according to the FCC. AT&T Fiber coverage from neighboring Mecklenburg County extends slightly into Cabarrus County just north of Concord Mills, but is otherwise unavailable in Concord.

Is Kinetic or Spectrum better?

The better provider will come down to the available connection type. Kinetic’s fiber internet service will be the better value, though the cost may be slightly higher depending on the plan you choose and if you rent your router. On the other hand, Spectrum delivers faster max speeds and greater value compared to Kinetic’s DSL service. For a more in-depth comparison, see my breakdown of Spectrum versus Kinetic.

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What better way is there to celebrate your love of tacos than to visit a new Mexican restaurant? You’ll be in luck on Oct. 4, as Talkin’ Tacos breaks into North Carolina with a location in Concord.

The restaurant is kicking off its grand opening at 6 p.m., offering a free order of birria tacos to each of the first 100 customers in line. You can enjoy live entertainment while you eat among hand-painted murals and neon signs, and an LED robot will be on hand for pictures.

When you walk in, you’ll order on self-serve kiosks meant to provide faster service. Among the items to try are a variety of birria choices such as pizza, ramen and street corn in a cup.

There are also 11 taco options, including Southwest Chicken, Mahi Mahi, Caribbean Carne and vegan Hongas Tacos. You can top off your meal with something to satisfy your sweet tooth such as an order of Loaded Churros, Tajin & Chamoy gummies or a house-made horchata.

Talkin’ Tacos started out in Miami as a food truck in 2020 and grew into a fast-casual Mexican eatery with locations across Florida. Now, it’s spreading into the Carolinas with its 1,850 square-foot restaurant space in Concord that will seat 48 people. The chain has 17 locations open, and six more will open this year.

“We’re thrilled to bring our bold flavors and vibrant atmosphere to North Carolina, and it’s only fitting to celebrate on National Taco Day,” Mohammad Farraj, Talkin’ Tacos co-founder and chief marketing officer, said in a news release. “The Charlotte-area food scene is exploding, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

Location: 8915 Christenbury Pkwy., Concord NC 28027

Menu

Cuisine: Mexican

Hours: Monday-Sunday ,11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Instagram: @_talkintacos

This story was originally published September 17, 2024, 2:39 PM.

The Charlotte Observer

Heidi Finley is a writer and editor for CharlotteFive and the Charlotte Observer. Outside of work, you will most likely find her in the suburbs driving kids around, volunteering and indulging in foodie pursuits. Support my work with a digital subscription