South Carolina’s Lowcountry Faces Fallout from Hurricane Helene

News Summary

Hurricane Helene has significantly impacted South Carolina’s Lowcountry, causing widespread power outages, downed trees, and disruptions to daily life. With over 1.3 million customers affected, emergency crews are working tirelessly to restore power. The community is facing the aftermath of the storm, which has tragically resulted in at least 17 reported deaths. Despite the challenges, assistance has begun arriving as recovery efforts continue. Residents are urged to stay informed and safe as they navigate this difficult time.

South Carolina’s Lowcountry Faces Fallout from Hurricane Helene

As Hurricane Helene barrels through the southeastern United States, South Carolina’s Lowcountry is feeling the storm’s impact with significant power outages and disruptions to daily life. With the eye of the storm making landfall near Florida’s Big Bend region, residents are bracing for its anticipated effects.

Power Outages: A Growing Concern

Early reports indicated that about 1.3 million electric customers across South Carolina were left in the dark. In Beaufort County alone, over 50,000 electric customers experienced power loss; of these, approximately 38,000 were served by both Dominion Energy and Palmetto Electric. Even now, Palmetto Electric still has around 10,000 customers waiting for their lights to come back on.

The most affected area for power outages was Jasper County, where around 6,300 residents found themselves without electricity. By 11 a.m. Friday, that number had been reduced to 43,000 Dominion Energy customers and about 7,000 Jasper County customers. Thankfully, crews have been working tirelessly to restore power, bringing the percentage of powerless customers down from 47% to 36%.

Downed Trees and Widespread Disruptions

With hurricane-force winds and downed trees, the street scenes around Beaufort are less-than-ideal. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office reported numerous downed trees and power lines, causing both disruptions and potential hazards for residents venturing out. Gas stations north of the Broad River have also been affected, shutting down and leading to daunting lines at Parker’s convenience store in Beaufort County.

Unfortunately, the storm has triggered a tornado watch until 8 a.m., while a tropical storm warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Friday, adding to the uncertainty in the region.

Impact on Local Communities

While some areas are struggling, Hilton Head Island reported minimal outages, with only three customers losing power due to underground lines standing up to the storm. Meanwhile, the Beaufort-Jasper Water and Sewer Authority has urged residents to conserve water since two-thirds of their pump stations were without power.

Hurricane Helene has also caused notable damage throughout the Lowcountry. A significant portion of the Henry Robinson Boardwalk in Port Royal was washed away, presenting another challenge for local communities. In response to the ongoing situation, Beaufort County schools canceled after-school events and initiated e-learning plans to keep students safe and educated.

The Human Toll

While many are focused on getting their power restored, the human cost of Hurricane Helene cannot be overlooked. The storm has tragically resulted in at least 17 reported deaths across South Carolina. The heartache adds to the urgency of restoration efforts, as families are left coping with the aftermath of this powerful storm.

A Bright Spot: Assistance Arrives

Despite the chaos, help is on the way as emergency crews from Alabama are being sent to assist in power restoration. These dedicated teams are working around the clock to restore normalcy to the community.

The impact of Hurricane Helene is still unfolding, and the Lowcountry community is encouraged to stay informed and stay safe as recovery efforts continue. Every small step towards restoration counts, and the spirit of resilience is shining through as South Carolinians face this challenging time together.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Weekend Weather Forecast for the Lowcountry
Urgent Reminder for South Carolina Residents to Apply for Hurricane Helene Assistance Before January Deadline
Colder Weather Ahead for Hilton Head This Holiday Weekend
Beaufort Prepares for Hurricane Helene: Schools and Community Stay Vigilant Amid Storm Threat
South Carolina Residents Affected by Hurricane Helene: Federal Assistance Now Available
Hospitals Nationwide Face Critical IV Fluid Shortage, Impacting Patient Care
Savannah’s Over the Moon Diaper Bank Hosts Great Big Diaper Giveaway for Families in Need
Aynor, S.C. Braces for Heightened Wildfire Risks This Season
Aynor Faces Increased Wildfire Risks Following Hurricane Season and La Niña Conditions
Aynor, S.C. Faces Above-Normal Wildfire Season as Preparedness Efforts Intensify

Additional Resources

• Live 5 News: Power Outages Across Lowcountry
• Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene (2024)
• The State: Dominion Energy Power Restoration Dates
• Google Search: Hurricane Helene South Carolina
• Post and Courier: Hurricane Helene Impact
• Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
• Your Island News: Widespread Power Outage Report
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane