Columbia Weather Recovery Begins After Tropical Storm Helene
Columbia, SC – The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene has left our lovely city and surrounding areas in a bit of a mess. On September 27, 2024, heavy winds and rain battered the Midlands and Upstate of South Carolina, causing severe disruptions and damage in many communities. The storm has knocked down hundreds of trees and resulted in over a million people losing power.
Storm Details
It was a sunny start on that fateful day, with temperatures peaking at a warm 84°F. But by mid-afternoon, clouds rolled in as rain began pouring down in earnest. National Weather Service reported winds gusting up to an astonishing 67 mph at Columbia Metropolitan Airport. As the storm progressed, many areas, particularly in rural counties like Barnwell and Orangeburg, recorded nearly a foot of rainfall.
Sadly, this storm has taken its toll; 19 lives have been lost in South Carolina, with at least two fatalities reported in both Newberry and Saluda counties. The severity of the winds was unexpected for many residents. Meteorologist Matt Gropp remarked, “It’s pretty unprecedented in terms of wind here.”
Local Experiences
Take Graysen and Hannah Craddock, for instance. The young couple was fast asleep, oblivious to the chaos erupting around them, when disaster struck their neighborhood outside Forest Acres. “I had just woken up to text my dad when I heard a loud crash,” Hannah recounted, recalling how a tree fell into their bedroom, leaving her with injuries that required attention. Fortunately, nearby neighbors pitched in to help before first responders arrived.
Unfortunately, Hannah and Graysen’s experience is just one of many. Reports from around the Midlands indicated a flurry of incidents where falling trees caused significant damage. For instance, elderly residents near Irmo faced harrowing moments as trees crushed their homes, leading to injuries but, thankfully, no fatalities among the elderly.
Infrastructure Damage
As chaos ensued, emergency services were inundated with calls. Fire crews across the city jumped into action, responding to over 350 calls for downed power lines and collapsed structures. In Barnwell alone, linemen assessed about 60 miles of downed lines, as many utility poles were snapped by the relentless winds.
In Forest Acres, the clean-up crews faced blocks and blocks of roads that were entirely obstructed by fallen trees and debris. Local reports noted that even the historic Horseshoe on the USC campus wasn’t spared, suffering damage from a sizeable oak tree that succumbed to the storm.
Community Support and Recovery Efforts
As the community begins to pick up the pieces, the support from local organizations and residents is more vital than ever. Initiatives like the Rising Waters Lab are crucial as they provide resources and assistance to those affected. The Post and Courier has emphasized the importance of donations to help sustain these recovery efforts, reminding everyone that contributions are tax-deductible.
In typical Southern fashion, the community’s spirit shines brightly through challenging times. Neighbors are pooling resources, offering food and shelter to those displaced, and checking in with one another. “It’s about looking out for each other,” said one local resident. “We’ve all got to come together now.”
Looking Ahead
While recovery efforts are underway, we can expect a bit of rain this evening, with a 50% chance of showers and a low temperature of 72°F. For now, let us remain vigilant, lend a hand where we can, and appreciate the beauty that is our resilient community.
As the sun sets tonight, we’ll continue to work together, united as we weather this storm, both literally and metaphorically. Let’s keep our spirits up, Columbia! We can rebuild and recover from this storm, making our community stronger than before.
