Severe Winter Storm Causes Widespread Power Outages in Newberry County, SC

News Summary

A brutal winter storm struck Newberry County, SC, on January 10, leaving many residents without power. The storm caused unprecedented damage, affecting over 14,000 families. Emergency relief efforts have begun as the community faces harsh conditions. Neighbors are coming together to help one another during this challenging time.

Severe Winter Storm Causes Widespread Power Outages in Newberry County, SC

This past Friday, January 10, Newberry County, South Carolina, experienced a brutal winter storm that left many residents in the dark and freezing. The snow and ice that blanketed the Midlands took everyone by surprise, but the aftermath was particularly harsh for the folks living in and around Newberry.

Power Outages Hit Hard

By 10:30 p.m. EST on the night of the storm, nearly 600 customers were reported without power in Newberry County alone. The electric company, Duke Energy, identified a substation failure in Prosperity, SC, as the main culprit behind these widespread outages. Unfortunately, the exact restore times were still a bit of a mystery since the company hadn’t provided any updates at that hour.

Residents were left scrambling, and many were advised to reach out to their local power providers if they found themselves without electricity. By the following Wednesday, the situation had not improved significantly for those living in rural areas. Despite ongoing restoration efforts, a large number of households were still grappling with power loss.

Unprecedented Damage Reported

Local officials reported *unprecedented* damage to trees and the electrical grid. The extent of the destruction was astonishing compared to previous winter storms, leaving many residents feeling anxious and concerned about the future. To ensure safety during the cold, dark nights, **Sheriff Lee Foster** imposed a curfew beginning at 10:00 p.m. until it’s deemed safe to lift, citing the excessive darkness from the storms and power outages that affected visibility.

Emergency Relief Efforts Activated

The federal government is stepping in to assist those affected by the severe winter weather. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has initiated disaster relief efforts across Newberry County, aiming to provide aid to those most severely impacted by the storm.

This storm didn’t just disrupt a few homes; it knocked out power for over 14,000 families throughout Newberry County. Thankfully, the power has been restored to about 9,500 homes so far, but as of the latest updates, around 4,500 customers are still waiting for their electricity to return.

Restoration Challenges

As the restoration crews work tirelessly to restore power, they face some challenges. Each pole takes a minimum of three hours to replace, which adds up quickly when you consider the number of poles that must be fixed to bring every household back online. It’s a tough job that requires patience from the community.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

In the midst of these difficulties, the community is coming together in heartwarming ways. Local residents are pitching in to help one another during this time of need. Stories are coming out about neighbors banding together to distribute essential supplies such as food and water. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has been a central hub for the distribution of aid and will continue providing essential supplies until every resident has their power restored.

One local resident, eager to lend a helping hand, has been particularly active in his community—helping to deliver food and water to others in need, especially focusing on elderly neighbors who have been hit hard by the power outages.

Looking Forward

The hope is that with a bit more time and cooperation between local authorities and power companies, all of Newberry County will soon return to normalcy. But for now, the spirit of community support and resilience shines bright in the face of winter’s wrath. Whether it’s checking on a neighbor or assisting in the distribution of supplies, every small act can make a big difference in getting through this tough time together.