Widespread Power Outages Hit Lowcountry as Hurricane Helene Strikes

News Summary

Hurricane Helene has caused significant power disruptions across the Lowcountry, affecting thousands of residents. Hilton Head Island, particularly hard hit, sees over 786 power outages reported by Palmetto Electric Cooperative. Governor Henry McMaster warns of unprecedented outages due to the severe storm. Restoration efforts are currently underway as utility crews work tirelessly amidst hazardous conditions to restore power.

Widespread Power Outages Hit Lowcountry as Hurricane Helene Strikes

Residents of Hilton Head Island Face Power Disruptions

Residents of Hilton Head Island are currently facing significant challenges as Hurricane Helene lashes the coast, leaving many without power. The Palmetto Electric Cooperative has confirmed that around 786 customers in the area have been affected, with the situation expected to worsen in the coming hours.

Governor’s Warning and Rising Outage Numbers

As of Thursday evening, South Carolina’s Governor, Henry McMaster, cautioned the public that the storm could result in an unprecedented number of outages compared to previous hurricanes. With patience being urged from the community, many are bracing themselves as the storm recently impacted 1.3 million electric customers statewide. Among those affected, over 50,000 residents in Beaufort County have already reported power loss, sending utility crews into overdrive.

Details on the Outages

The storm’s aftermath has left nearly *38,000 customers* of Dominion Energy and Palmetto Electric in the dark, with significant outages still present at midday Friday. In *Jasper County*, the highest number of outages—about 6,300 residents—were reported, while nearly 1,600 customers in Beaufort County are also feeling the brunt of the storm.

Just when things seemed to settle, the numbers soared again Friday morning: approximately 30,000 Dominion Energy customers across Beaufort County and 5,000 in Jasper County found themselves without power. As of 11 a.m., over 38,200 Dominion Energy and 3,450 Palmetto Electric customers continued to struggle without electricity.

The Storm’s Impact and Restoration Efforts

The damage has been extensive. The outages are primarily linked to downed trees and severe winds that battered the region overnight. Power crews have been working around the clock to restore services despite encountering hazardous conditions, making their restoration tasks even more daunting.

Residents in various areas across Beaufort County have been advised to report any out-of-service lines and fallen trees through the non-emergency dispatch line to help expedite the recovery process. Meanwhile, Hilton Head Island’s underground power infrastructure has spared it from major outages, with only three reported disruptions.

Safety Precautions and Weather Warnings

In addition to the power woes, weather conditions have posed further threats. Tropical storm warnings are currently in effect until 7 p.m. Friday, with earlier tornado watches having ended Friday morning. The storm’s ferocity hit its peak when Hurricane Helene made landfall around 11:10 p.m. Thursday with winds clocking in at a fierce 140 mph—a staggering Category 4 hurricane strength.

As 43,000 Dominion Energy customers in Beaufort County and a further 7,000 in Jasper County reported losing power due to the storm’s impact, it’s becoming clearer how severe Helene has been. For utility crews working tirelessly to restore power across the Lowcountry, navigating downed lines and debris riddled with risks has made their jobs all the more challenging.

Community Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The proactive spirit of the Lowcountry community is key during this challenging time. With crews from as far as Alabama coming in to assist with power restoration, a collective effort is underway to get back on track. The combined resilience of the community and the commitment of utility teams will be crucial in the days to come.

For now, residents are keeping their spirits high, hoping for a swift return to normalcy as recovery efforts progress. Stay safe, stay updated, and let’s weather the storm together!

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Additional Resources

• WSAV: Over 700 HHI Residents Out of Power
• Island Packet: Power Outages Hit Hilton Head
• The State: Hurricane Helene Causes Power Loss
• Google Search: Hurricane Helene Power Outages
• Google News: Hurricane Helene