Aftermath: Ten Years Documenting the Biggest Storms in the American South
A photo zine by Sean Rayford
This fall marks a decade that I’ve been covering hurricanes and tropical weather as a photojournalist in the American South. Ten years ago, we faced 20 inches of rain and a “1,000 year deluge" here in South Carolina and since then I’ve covered more than a dozen hurricanes and tropical storms stretching from Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and of course, through the Carolinas.
When conspiracy stories about Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina were spreading like wildfire — I was hiking into Bat Cave and Chimney Rock, documenting rescue efforts while people they claimed weren’t happening.
To mark ten years covering storms like Florence, Matthew, Michael, Ida, Idalia, Irma, Helene and the no-name storm that hit SC ten years ago — I’ve published a photo zine featuring this work. Proceeds will go to my storm kit.
Digital photo Zine Option 1 - $5
Digital photo Zine Option 2 - $10
The digital zine options are the same, except you choose your price. If you’d like to contribute to my 2025 storm fund in other ways — both my paypal and venmo handles are @seanrayford. Or you can mail a check or money order to:
Rayford’s Storm Coverage Fund — P.O. Box 2267 — West Columbia, SC 29171
This season I’ve upgraded my satellite dish and it’s going to save me a lot of time while keeping me connected. You can expect much more from me in real time this year.
Anything helps. Camera and vehicle repairs from last season approach $4,000 and insurance covered half of it.
Thank you!
-Sean