Power Outages Plague South Carolina as Tropical Storm Helene Blasts Through

News Summary

Nearly 1 million customers in South Carolina are left without power due to the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene. Utility companies are working tirelessly to restore electricity as widespread flooding and damage complicate the situation. With significant outages reported across Richland and Lexington counties, residents face a challenging recovery as emergency services respond to numerous storm-related accidents and concerns.

Power Outages Plague South Carolina as Tropical Storm Helene Blasts Through

Columbia, SC – A fierce battle against nature is underway as nearly 1 million customers in South Carolina remain without power following the rampage of Tropical Storm Helene. As the storm made its way through the region, it left a path of darkness that has affected approximately one-third of the 2.8 million tracked utility customers in the state.

Widespread Outages Across the State

As of Sunday at 11 a.m., 904,051 customers reported outages, with the most significant impact felt in Richland County, which saw 30,648 outages, and Lexington County, bearing the brunt with 43,396 customers left without electricity. This alarming situation added up to a staggering 107,763 outages across the Midlands region alone.

The Upstate region has also faced its share of challenges, with Dominion Energy reporting a troubling 132,572 outages among its 820,703 customers. This includes well over 45,000 affected residents in Richland and Lexington counties, signaling a dire need for immediate electrical restoration.

Restoration Efforts Underway

Although the storm wreaked havoc, utility companies have been working diligently to restore power. Dominion Energy has managed to get power back to around 300,000 customers who felt the pinch of blackouts due to Helene. Meanwhile, the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina reported 233,895 outages, with a significant chunk of these, 81,000, concentrated in the Midlands.

Duke Energy also found itself in a tough spot, documenting 541,427 outages statewide, with about 2,195 outages reported in or around the Midlands, leading to a total of over 1.2 million South Carolinians without power at the storm’s peak. Thankfully, by 11:49 p.m., the number of statewide outages had decreased to 1.289 million, suggesting that restoration efforts were starting to see some success.

Flooding and Damage Stories

As the storm battered the state with wind gusts reaching 67 mph at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, residents were confronted with widespread flooding and damage that rendered more than 200 roads in Lexington County impassable. Downed trees and power lines have caused significant roadblocks, making it a challenging journey for emergency services.

In neighborhoods like Forest Acres and Trenholm Road, the struggle was real as debris piled up, blocking streets and making even the simplest of trips impossible. The storm didn’t just disrupt transportation; it also brought about injuries, with two girls being hospitalized due to tree falls in Forest Acres.

Community Impact and Safety Measures

With over 70 emergency calls related to accidents or storm damage pouring in within a short window of time, the community is doing its best to cope. Local businesses and medical facilities faced a tough day too, with Lexington Medical Center having to adjust its operating hours based on power concerns.

To add to the community’s woes, the town of Irmo unfortunately had to cancel its annual Okra Strut Festival due to the ongoing cleanup efforts and damage. Residents are being urged to gear up with flashlights and keep their chargers ready as the power outage ordeal persists.

How to Report Outages

Utility companies have encouraged residents to reach out for reporting their outages. Whether you’re a Dominion or Duke Energy customer, you can easily contact them to report your situation and get the latest updates on power restoration efforts.

This storm might have tested the spirit of South Carolinians, but with the light at the end of the tunnel slowly appearing, hope remains that the community will recover and rebuild stronger than before.