I live in the same area those storms hit. Not that long without power though.
I am ready to be self sufficient for a long time, but other than regular radios I have not planned a need for communication...maybe I will be sorry, but expect to just shelter in place for a long time.
If you were lucky, the power grid you were on had a hospital, police or fire station. That was the power company priorities when restoring lines and transformers. It is frustrating when homes and businesses within sight are running their a/c while you swelter in tropical heat by candle light for weeks.