Devastation Hits Williston, S.C. as Tropical Storm Helene Sweeps Through, Leaving 13 Dead and Millions Without Power

Devastation Hits Williston, S.C. as Tropical Storm Helene Sweeps Through

Williston, S.C. — The early morning hours of Friday, September 27, 2024, brought a storm of unprecedented strength as Tropical Storm Helene battered homes and businesses in South Carolina. The storm’s powerful winds struck at around 5 a.m., leading to devastating outcomes, including the ripping off of roofs, as experienced by one family here in Williston. Emily Wiles shared a photo of her home where the sunroom and screened-in porch collapsed under the sheer force of the winds.

A State in Mourning

Sadly, the impacts of Helene were felt profoundly across the state, with at least 13 reported deaths attributed to the storm. In Anderson County, the Coroner’s office confirmed that two people lost their lives due to trees falling on their homes. Meanwhile, Aiken County reported four fatalities, and Gov. Henry McMaster addressed the tragic loss of two firefighters and additional traffic-related deaths in Newberry County.

The heartache didn’t stop there, as Spartanburg County also reported three fatalities connected to the storm. This creates a sense of sorrow across communities that are already coming together to support each other through this tough time.

Power Outages and Damage

As the winds roared, more than 1.2 million homes and businesses statewide were left without power, putting a halt to everyday life. Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Santee Cooper have all reported widespread outages, with Duke Energy alone noting around 545,000 outages in the Upstate region as of noon Friday. It’s estimated that some areas might remain powerless through the weekend and possibly into next week.

Keller Kissam, President of Dominion Energy South Carolina, compared the outages to those experienced during Hurricane Hugo back in 1989—an alarming statement that paints a picture of the storm’s severity. The Upstate seemed to bear the brunt of Helene’s wrath, with wind gusts reported at speeds up to 82 miles per hour in Augusta, just over the border. This display of nature’s fury comes after several days of rain, leading to saturated ground that allowed trees to easily uproot.

Utilities Response and Warnings

Utility crews found themselves facing immense challenges as they set out to restore power. Trees had fallen onto vehicles, yet thankfully, no workers were reported injured. Rob Hochstetler from Central Electric Power Cooperative emphasized the unprecedented destruction they were witnessing, stating several hundred poles had snapped and power lines had been pulled down.

Utility executives urged residents to be patient, acknowledging that restoration efforts would be extensive. Kissam reminded everyone, “Life’s not going to be back to normal until probably the middle of next week.” So, for those eager to watch their favorite football games, it looks like a little more waiting might be necessary.

Safety Precautions

While recovery efforts are underway, residents are advised to prioritize safety. Fire Marshall Jonathan Jones urged everyone to stay clear of downed power lines and exercise caution when using generators, stressing that these should never be operated inside homes or garages.

Community Shelters and Flooding Concerns

For those whose homes were affected, six shelters are currently open across Laurens, Orangeburg, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda, and Spartanburg counties. So far, around 30 people have found refuge there, according to the S.C. Department of Social Services.

As the rain continues in the coming days, officials are on high alert for potential river flooding in areas including the Saluda River near Greenville and the Wateree River near the dam. Monitoring efforts involved coordination with North Carolina officials regarding the Lake Lure dam, as any breach could have dire consequences for South Carolina.

The Silver Lining

Despite the challenging situation, there is a sense of resilience within the communities. Senator Lindsey Graham acknowledged the devastation but assured that he and other congressional members would push for federal disaster relief. He noted, “The scope of damage from the storm has been wide and deep,” emphasizing that citizens would need as much support as possible.

As the aftermath of Helene takes shape, South Carolinians are reminded of their strength and ability to come together during tough times. Whether through local assistance or simply helping neighbors, the spirit of camaraderie shines bright, even amidst the storm’s destruction.