Tropical Storm Helene Causes Havoc in Newberry and Saluda Counties
NEWBERRY, S.C. — What was anticipated as a regular day turned into a scene of mass destruction as Tropical Storm Helene swept through Newberry and Saluda Counties. With the winds howling and rain pouring down, residents are grappling with the aftermath of the storm that has left these picturesque towns transformed by debris and disruption.
State of Emergency Declared
Late Friday afternoon, Newberry County Council Chairman Todd Johnson declared a state of emergency for the entire Newberry County. This was a necessary step given the circumstances as emergency crews mobilized to address the substantial damages caused by the storm. The declaration was soon followed by a curfew set from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., aimed at safeguarding both residents and essential personnel working tirelessly to restore order.
Curfews to Enhance Safety
In a similar vein, Saluda County announced a curfew that runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Saturday. The town officials in both counties have made it clear that the curfews are designed to deter anyone from taking advantage of vulnerable businesses and residents impacted by the storm. This decision comes amidst concerns for safety, as it was reported that nearly all residents in both counties found themselves without power on Friday, with many traffic lights down due to the outages. Public Safety Director Tommy Long emphasized the importance of the curfew by stating, “There are still trees falling and trees in the road that may not be identified in the dark.” There’s a strong sentiment among officials that these measures will hopefully maintain a secure environment for those impacted and those tirelessly working to restore essential services.
Power Outages and Ongoing Challenges
Data from PowerOutage.us reflects a grim reality, as reports illustrate that the vast majority of both counties faced significant electricity outages. As night fell, the dangers of navigating streets littered with fallen trees became even more pronounced. In discussing the overwhelming impact of the storm, Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster expressed concern, noting that this storm has brought about damages even he has never experienced in his extraordinary 35-year tenure as sheriff. “It’s mass destruction,” he lamented, pointing to the long road of recovery ahead.
Support for Essential Workers
It’s crucial to note that this curfew does allow exemptions for essential workers and first responders, acknowledging their critical role during this recovery phase. These individuals are working around the clock, often in difficult circumstances, to restore power and ensure the safety of neighborhoods. Their commitment and resilience are commendable in such trying times.
The Road to Recovery
As residents band together to face these challenges, the community spirit shines brightly. There’s a shared determination to support one another throughout this ordeal. Neighbors are coming together to assist in recovery efforts, helping with clean-ups, providing shelter for those who have been displaced, and checking in on the vulnerable populations affected by the storm.
While it may be a difficult journey ahead, the towns of Newberry and Saluda are known for their strong community bonds and commitment to one another. As the night descends and the curfews take effect, there’s a hope that when sunlight breaks through on Saturday, it will bring with it clearer skies and a restoration of normalcy to these communities.
Stay Updated and Stay Safe
Officials urge everyone to stay updated on the situation and adhere to the curfews in place. It’s a small yet crucial step to ensure the safety of every individual in Newberry and Saluda Counties. Together, these towns will overcome the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Helene, and emerge stronger than before.
