Newberry County Braces for Hurricane Helene’s Onslaught

Newberry County Braces for Hurricane Helene’s Onslaught

As Hurricane Helene makes its way northward, residents of Newberry County in South Carolina are feeling its effects. The storm has brought with it strong winds and torrential downpours, causing concern among locals who are familiar with the kind of chaos a hurricane can unleash.

A Rainy Day in Newberry

On Thursday evening, we took a trip to Newberry County to see firsthand the impact of Helene. Steady rain had been falling throughout the day, creating small ponds on the roads and making travel treacherous. Drivers are being urged to stay off the roads unless it’s absolutely necessary because of the risk of hydroplaning and encountering standing water.

Community Concerns

We spoke with local resident, Cindy Moore, who shared her worries about flooding in her area. “It’s pretty bad right now,” she said with a hint of frustration in her voice. “But it could get worse. Our yard floods sometimes, and we have had trouble with it running in one of our bathrooms before.” Cindy also mentioned that when the creek down the hill swells, it has a tendency to flood really badly.

Preparedness is Key

Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster also weighed in on the situation. His department is stepping up their readiness as the storm moves closer. “We are ramping up our personnel status,” he stated, “and we’re also having the equipment that we use in situations like this for search and rescue, we have that ready.” Foster noted the rolling hills and sparse population in flood-prone areas have made residents cautious but grateful.

The Landscape of Concern

According to Sheriff Foster, the landscape of Newberry County can create its own challenges when it comes to severe weather. “Fortunately, we have very few places that have a dense population in a flood zone,” he explained. However, he was quick to add that “the city of Newberry has a creek that runs through the middle that has over the years been prone to flood.” This creek, coupled with heavy rains, certainly raises concerns for local residents.

Safety on the Roads

With the storm brewing, Sheriff Foster urged drivers to be extra cautious on the roads, particularly in areas where street flooding is a possibility. He cautioned against hydroplaning and hitting trees or power poles that could be weakened by the strong winds. Furthermore, with tree limbs already down from the gusty winds, it’s crucial for drivers to stay alert while navigating.

Impacts Beyond Newberry

The effects of Hurricane Helene aren’t just isolating to Newberry County. Reports of road closures and other inconveniences have been popping up all around the Midlands. Moreover, many local schools and state offices have already started announcing schedule changes to keep everyone safe during this unpredictable weather event.

Keeping Connected

As we hunker down and wait for the storm to pass, it’s important for everyone to stay informed and prepared. Remember, if you do need to travel, take it slow and avoid areas where water is standing. Check local updates frequently, and stay tuned for any alerts about further impacts from Helene.

We’ll keep our fingers crossed for everyone in Newberry County as we weather this storm together. Stay safe, everyone!