The scars of Hurricane Helene still evident outside the gates of Augusta National

Helene is the costliest natural disaster in the city’s history. It took weeks to restore power and water to many residents and more than a month to get Internet service back. Damaged and destroyed homes are still prevalent throughout the region.

AUGUSTA NATIONAL: What you won’t see are the scars that inside the gates of Augusta National are invisible but outside the hallowed grounds are still very much on display seven months after the region was ravaged by a deadly storm that killed 31 people in the Augusta area.  Pic: INPHO

The images you’ll see on television when the Masters begins on Thursday will provide the same comfort as usual as a long, cold winter releases its grip toward spring. Augusta National Golf Club will look as pristine and perfect as always as it heralds the start of another major championship season.

What you won’t see are the scars that inside the gates of Augusta National are invisible but outside the hallowed grounds are still very much on display seven months after the region was ravaged by a deadly storm that killed 31 people in the Augusta area – many asleep in their own beds when during the cover of darkness an estimated third of the tree canopy came crashing down.