Hurricane Helene: A Surprise Visit to Our Region
In the peaceful city of Hardeeville, we had our very own encounter with Mother Nature’s unpredictable side when Hurricane Helene decided to drop by. While we were all preparing for a routine rainy day, Helene had other plans in store for us!
A Calm Before the Storm
It all started on Thursday, September 26, around 3 p.m. Our local Chiefs participated in the daily call with the Emergency Management Center, where they discussed the latest path of Helene, which at that time was forecasted to move well west through Atlanta. We received updates on the potential threats, which included tropical storm conditions, substantial rainfall, gusting winds, surging waters, and possible tornadoes. The word was that while there were risks, the impacts were expected to be mild.
In light of this information, the Governor decided against declaring a state of emergency for our region. Emergency Operation Centers and shelters in Jasper County stayed closed, and City Hall was set to open on Friday as per usual. Everyone went to bed that Thursday night holding onto hopes of a simply blustery day.
Helene Unleashes Her Fury
But in just under 10 hours since the 6 p.m. update, our resident witch, Helene, shifted her course and dramatically changed her tone. She zoomed down on her broomstick, sending heavy winds and relentless rain our way. The storm arrived with a vengeance, leaving behind snapped trees, toppled power lines, and roadways littered with debris.
The chaos was real, but our heroes sprang into action! As dawn broke, visibility improved, and everyone rallied together. By 10 a.m., all roads in Hardeeville had at least one lane cleared for emergency response vehicles, a feat our dedicated police, fire, and public works teams accomplished with prompt efficiency.
The Aftermath
Certainly, not all was back to normal immediately. City Hall lost power as did the Public Defender’s Office and the Recreation Center. Even our Recreation team wasn’t resting, as they got busy clearing the parking lot to prepare for a reopening later. It turned into a lengthy weekend for our crews, but on Monday, they had cleared the roads and opened the city back up for business.
Unfortunately, many in Jasper County faced power outages until Tuesday night, leaving folks without essential services like water and air conditioning. However, when the Rec Center returned to power on Monday, it transformed into a lifesaver, providing charging stations and cool air to those who needed a break from the heat.
Lessons Learned
This experience brought back memories of another storm, Hurricane Matthew back in 2016. Unlike Helene, Matthew gave us ample warning, allowing residents to evacuate ahead of time. One can’t help but wonder: if we had attempted to evacuate just a few hours before Helene hit, would chaos ensue? We might have ended up in a situation similar to North Carolina, with blocked roads and trapped residents. Helene served as a stark reminder of how quickly things can change.
Time to Vote
As we gear up for the upcoming elections, let’s not forget about the sales tax referendums happening on November 5th in Beaufort and Jasper County! Jasper County’s plan is allocating $227.5 million in funds for road improvements, targeting evacuation routes crucial for the safety of over 100,000 residents, commuters, and tourists alike. Beaufort County is looking to get $260 million for similar purposes.
The total comes close to a whopping half-billion dollars dedicated to keeping our roads safe and ready for when emergencies arise.
Protecting Our Community
Alongside road improvements, Jasper County is putting $94 million towards Greenbelt preservation. Beaufort’s contribution adds up to an additional $50 million. Together, with the previous $100 million raised in the past two years, we’re nearing a potential quarter billion dollars aimed at preserving our stunning Lowcountry.
Final Thoughts
While these tax plans could maintain the current sales tax rate, it’s vital to consider the long-term benefits. Remember, when you head to the polls, don’t overlook the back half of the ballot where these referendum questions lie. Additionally, Hardeeville will have a non-partisan election for two city council seats. I’m running unopposed for mayor, but your votes are still very much appreciated.
As we reflect on the havoc caused by Helene, let’s keep those affected throughout our nation close to our hearts. If you have the capacity to help, please do. Even our local animal shelters are facing difficulties. We never know when we might be the ones in need, so helping one another is vital.
Stay safe out there, Hardeeville!
