Beaufort and Jasper Counties Report Zero Deaths from Hurricane Helene
Fellow residents and friends, we have some good news to share as we come to terms with the impacts of Hurricane Helene. According to the coroners in both Beaufort and Jasper counties, there have been no storm-related fatalities reported. It’s truly a relief to hear that our coastal communities weathered the storm without losing any lives.
Storm System and Its Impact
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that while the Lowcountry emerged relatively unscathed in terms of lives lost, Hurricane Helene was anything but mild as it raged inland. Governor Henry McMaster held a media briefing on Monday to discuss the broader fallout from the storm, revealing that a reported 29 deaths have been linked to Helene across South Carolina, unfortunately contributing to a grim total of approximately 121 fatalities across six southeastern states.
As for the regions most affected, the counties that saw the highest toll included Aiken, Anderson, Chesterfield, and others. The tragic majority of these deaths stemmed from trees falling on individuals, a stark reminder of the dangers that severe storms can bring.
What We Experienced in Beaufort County
Here in Beaufort County, the story was a blend of wild winds and fallen trees. The storm wreaked havoc, taking down numerous trees and leaving many of our residents without power for days on end. The damage was more pronounced above the Broad River, where several boats found themselves stranded on the land, floodwaters encroached on the Beaufort waterfront, and an expensive destruction to a Port Royal boardwalk caused significant concern among local business owners.
The ferocity of the winds led to the generation of three low-level tornadoes across our county within the short span of 18 hours, with wind gusts surpassing 70 mph. Overall, about 1.3 million electric customers found themselves without power in South Carolina after the storm rolled through, including around 50,000 residents in Beaufort County and approximately 6,300 in Jasper County.
Power Restoration Efforts
After days of uncertainty, local data shows that by Monday afternoon, power outages had significantly decreased. Now, about 2,300 customers in Beaufort County and about 2,200 in Jasper County are still waiting for their electricity to be restored. It’s a great relief to know that recovery is underway!
Interestingly, Hilton Head Island fortunately dodged most of the power issues due to its electric lines being situated underground, showcasing another layer of preparation that the island has in place for such storm events.
Looking Ahead
As the situation continues to evolve, officials urge everyone to stay safe and be cautious. It’s important to help our neighbors who may still be dealing with the fallout from the storm. Whether it’s lending a hand in clearing debris or ensuring those without power have lamps or candles, every small act counts.
With storms like Hurricane Helene, nature displays her breathtaking beauty as well as her terrifying fury. While our losses seem minimal in Beaufort and Jasper, we will continue to keep in our hearts and minds those who were impacted elsewhere. As we move forward, let’s remember to stay informed and be prepared for whatever comes next!
