Hurricane Helene Sweeps Through Newberry County
As Hurricane Helene continues to make its way north, residents of Newberry County in South Carolina are experiencing the storm’s dramatic effects firsthand. With heavy rains and gusty winds, the atmosphere has turned treacherous, and everyone is urged to stay vigilant.
Weather Warnings Galore
On Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service took precautionary measures by issuing various tornado and flash flood warnings across the region. While the worst of Hurricane Helene is expected to impact the area overnight into Friday morning, the storm has already started making its presence known. Our team visited Newberry County on Thursday evening to gauge the current conditions.
Gauging the Impact
As we drove through the quaint streets of Newberry, it was evident that the steady rain had turned into small ponds that dotted the roads. While many locals were hunkering down, those who needed to venture out were approaching their travels with extreme caution. As a safety reminder, it’s absolutely crucial to drive slowly in these stormy conditions. Hydroplaning is a real concern, and it’s vital never to attempt driving through standing water.
Community Voices
We spoke with Cindy Moore, a longtime resident of Newberry County, who provided insight into flooding issues they often face. “It’s pretty bad right now, but it could get worse,” she reported. “Our yard floods sometimes; we’ve had trouble with it running into one of our bathrooms before. Sometimes, the creek gets out down the hill and floods really bad.”
It’s clear that the community is preparing for the worst, and with the storm’s history of causing significant flooding, Cindy’s concerns are backed by many residents.
Local Authorities on Alert
Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster also shared his worries about the potential impacts of Hurricane Helene. “We are ramping up our personnel status,” he explained. Emergency equipment geared for search and rescue is on standby, ready to respond if needed. Foster emphasized that while Newberry County has its share of rolling hills and generally fewer dense populations in flood-prone areas, the risk of severe flooding and debris is a genuine concern. “Fortunately, we have very few places that have a dense population in a flood zone,” he remarked, “but we do have that potential. The city of Newberry has a creek that runs through the middle that has, over the years, been prone to flood.”
Staying Safe on the Roads
As we discussed the storm, Foster continued to express the challenges they face. The main concerns during Hurricane Helene include street flooding, the risk of drivers hydroplaning, and falling trees or limbs that could cause significant danger. Alongside these risks, reports of various road closures around the Midlands have been significant, causing many to change their plans—schools and state offices announced adjusted schedules in light of the storm.
A Community Prepared
Newberry County is banding together in preparation for the storm’s peak impacts. Residents are advised to stay alert, monitor updates, and most importantly, prioritize their safety during these unpredictable conditions. But as the storm reminds us, it’s not just about weather safety; it’s about the resilience of a community ready to support one another through tough times.
So, as the winds pick up and rain continues to fall, let’s keep our fingers crossed for everyone in the Midlands and stay safe out there!
