Newberry, S.C. Faces Devastation and Loss After Hurricane Helene Strikes

Newberry, S.C. Faces Devastation from Hurricane Helene

In the heart of Newberry, South Carolina, the community is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a storm that has left many feeling shaken and vulnerable. As of now, two lives have been tragically lost, and four others have been injured as the storm wreaked havoc across the county.

Devastating Loss of Life

According to Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster, this is the worst damage he has witnessed in his lifetime from a storm in the area. The Newberry County Coroner, Laura Kneece, confirmed that the fatalities occurred in a crash that involved a fallen tree on Chapman Road in the Little Mountain area. The victims, Robert Wise (49) and his wife Valencia Jones Wise, both from Chapin, died on the scene on Friday morning. This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder of the storm’s intensity and the dangers it poses.

Power Outages and Community Response

With approximately 38,000 residents in Newberry County currently without power, local officials have been working tirelessly to support the community. A shelter has been established at Gallman Elementary School for families needing assistance, providing a safe haven for those affected. Volunteers and staff are on-site to help residents as they navigate these challenging circumstances.

Adding to the challenges, an AT&T outage has left many communication lines down. Residents have been urged to only call 911 in emergencies, as the sheriff’s office works to address the critical situations on the ground.

Potential Dam Failure and Precautions

In a concerning development, the sheriff’s office has raised alarms that the dam at Lake Lure might fail by Friday evening. “If that happens, it will significantly impact the Broad River Basin,” warned the sheriff’s office. Those living near the river are being advised to prepare for potential evacuations and to stay informed about developments.

As part of the safety measures, a curfew has been instituted in Newberry County from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.. This decision is aimed at protecting both residents and essential workers who are striving to restore power and assist the community. “We want to deter any opportunistic behavior and keep everyone safe with the ongoing hazards of downed trees and power lines,” the sheriff’s office stated.

Countless Areas Affected by Hurricane Helene

As Hurricane Helene passed through Newberry, Sheriff Foster noted that the storm’s impact was widespread, leaving no part of the county untouched. The rolling hills of Newberry, nestled between the Midlands and the mountainous regions of the Upstate, have presented unique challenges, particularly with street flooding and drivers struggling to maintain control on slick roads.

“Although we are lucky that there aren’t many densely populated flood zones here, we still face significant risks,” Foster explained. He highlighted that several creeks running through the community are historically prone to flooding.

Community Strength Shines Through

Despite the destruction, the resilience of Newberry’s residents is commendable. The community is pulling together, helping one another as they recover from this storm. Emergency responders are working around the clock, and the collaboration among neighbors is proving vital in navigating this crisis.

As Newberry bounces back from Hurricane Helene, it serves as a reminder not just of nature’s devastating power, but also of the strength and unity that can emerge in hard times. With essential services continuing to work diligently and volunteers stepping up to aid those in need, the community will surely rebuild and recover.