Lexington, S.C. Gears Up as Hurricane Helene Approaches
As residents of Lexington, South Carolina prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Helene, the swirling storm has escalated to a formidable Category 4 hurricane. With the winds gaining strength offshore, towns across the Midlands have already begun to feel the impact through heavy rains and rising floodwaters.
In a recent morning briefing, local officials shared important updates regarding the preparations underway as the storm looms. The Public Works Department has assembled on-call crews who are standing by to tackle whatever challenges Helene brings. Equipment, trucks, and saws have been fueled and are primed for action, while barricades are on standby to block off any roads that may be compromised by water or debris.
Emergency Management: Ready and Vigilant
The county’s emergency operations are currently classified as at normal, which is certainly reassuring given the conditions. Officials have stated they do not anticipate the usual issues of flooded roads, fallen trees, and power lines as severe as in storms past. However, they remind everyone to remain vigilant, follow state recommendations, and check that emergency supplies are stocked up. It’s a simple checklist: charge your electronic devices, ensure you have enough food and water, secure outdoor items to avoid damage, and stay tuned to updates from reliable weather sources.
Sergeant Cameron Mortenson from the Lexington Police Department has reported that more personnel have been allocated for the duration of the storm. School resource officers, who would typically be at schools, have been reassigned to assist patrol divisions since students will be engaging in e-learning through the storm. “We want to ensure that we have enough officers on hand,” Mortenson explained, emphasizing the department’s commitment to maintaining safety on the roads during potentially hazardous conditions. “Main corridors like 378, South Carolina 6, and US-1 will have officers on duty to manage traffic if signal lights go out. We’re ready for whatever comes.”
Residents Taking Precautions
Locals are taking proactive measures to prepare for Hurricane Helene’s arrival. One resident, who learned about the storm from his wife, mentioned he’s stocking up on necessities. “I noticed that the storm was planned to last throughout the weekend, but I didn’t think it would require extensive preparation,” he shared. “We have a deep freezer filled, so I think we’re covered.”
This individual’s workplace has announced a closing due to the hurricane threat, but he has been made aware to stay flexible. As someone working in the healthcare industry, he understands the need to be available should the storm escalate. “In healthcare, we always need to be prepared. If we have to move to another facility due to flooding or power loss, I’ll be ready for that,” he added with quite the sense of determination.
Stay Safe and Informed
Emergency managers continue to reiterate the importance for residents to stay prepared and informed during the storm. Don’t forget to check supplies, charge batteries for phones and radios, and regularly review updates on the weather’s progression. Additionally, good news for families: schools in the Lexington area will transit to e-learning beginning Friday, September 27th, allowing students to continue their education amid the storm while keeping everyone safe.
As the countdown to Hurricane Helene’s arrival continues, it’s clear that Lexington is rallying together and getting ready. With neighbors looking out for one another and coordinated efforts in place, the community is demonstrating resilience, unity, and preparedness as they await Helene’s impact.
