Tropical Storm Helene Devastates South Carolina, Leaving 19 Dead and Over 1.2 Million Without Power

COLUMBIA, South Carolina — Tropical Storm Helene’s Unforgettable Impact

What a day it has been in South Carolina. As dawn broke on the morning of September 27, 2024, Tropical Storm Helene was already making its presence felt across the state with strong winds that reached up to 70 miles per hour. For many South Carolinians, the winds were more than just a brisk morning breeze; they became agents of destruction.

Just ask Emily Wiles, a resident in Williston, S.C. At around 5 a.m., the winds ripped the roof right off her home. Not only that, but her sunroom and screened-in porch crumbled under the storm’s ferocity. It’s hard to imagine the loss in the early hours of a day that was supposed to be just another Friday.

The Human Toll

Sadly, the storm has claimed at least 19 lives in South Carolina. The Anderson County Coroner confirmed that two individuals lost their lives when trees crashed onto their homes. In other areas, including Newberry and Saluda counties, traffic-related incidents took lives as storms complicate driving conditions. It’s a somber reminder of nature’s force and unpredictability.

Gov. Henry McMaster delivered the heartbreaking news as he expressed condolences to families affected by the storm. He highlighted the more than 1.2 million homes and businesses left without power, a staggering statistic pointing to the overwhelming impact Helene has had on the state.

Power Outages and Recovery Efforts

By noon on Friday, utilities like Duke Energy reported around 545,000 outages in the Upstate alone, and they indicated that the damage was reminiscent of Hurricane Hugo in 1989. No small feat, considering how long ago that was!

As authorities and utility companies scramble to restore power, they urged patience from residents. Keller Kissam, the president of Dominion Energy South Carolina, stressed that life wouldn’t return to normal for many until well into next week.

Imagine getting back home after a long day only to find the lights still out and conditions still unsafe. Utility crews were cutting through fallen trees just to get to work, and they’ve reported some crews had trees fall on their trucks while doing just that. Fortunately, no workers were injured.

Weather Woes Continue

With the storm came torrential rain, with reports of rainfall reaching as high as 15 inches in certain areas! Flooding is reportedly on the rise, particularly along the Saluda River. As danger lurks, the National Weather Service is predicting further floods, adding to the woes of residents already shaken by the storm’s impact.

Officials have opened six emergency shelters where those displaced by the storm can find refuge. However, only about 30 individuals have sought shelter so far. Perhaps more people are hunkering down and holding off for brighter days ahead.

Precautions and Future Outlook

In these trying times, safety is a top priority. Residents have been reminded to steer clear of any downed power lines and to be cautious when using generators. Ventilation is crucial to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, a hidden danger that could create even more casualties.

As life slowly returns to some form of normalcy, communities are coming together, supporting one another through this challenging time. Sen. Lindsey Graham emphasized the damage and the need for federal disaster relief, and local leaders are rallying to ensure that the state bounces back stronger than ever.

Tropical Storm Helene has left its mark on South Carolina, reminding us all of the power of nature and the strength within our communities. As we shake off the dust of this storm, we look forward to recovery and a return to the sunny days we know and love.