I sure was surprised, too, when ham radio was mentioned more than once on 
the news as providing communications.  Cell phone service is still poor due 
to all the towers and antennas washed away.  Some climb to higher ground to 
reach a cell tower.  In 1976, when the Big Thompson Canyon washed out and 
cut ofg Esttis Park, I listened to about 4 ham 2 meter frequencies for a 
solid week before A T and T got one line into the town.  You never heard so 
much ham traffic at one time.  Well, I've heard it that way during tornadoes 
back in the day but 2 meters saved the day again.

Phil.
K0NX