Columbia, SC Prepares for Impact as Hurricane Helene Approaches

Columbia, SC Braces for Hurricane Helene

As Hurricane Helene prepares to make its approach on the southeastern coast, Columbia, South Carolina, is taking proactive measures to keep its residents safe. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency, allowing state agencies to mobilize resources and streamline their response efforts ahead of the storm’s anticipated arrival.

Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center have advised that Hurricane Helene is currently swirling in the Gulf of Mexico, gaining strength as it makes its way toward the Florida coast. Landfall is predicted for Thursday, September 26, with the effects of the hurricane expected to be felt in South Carolina shortly thereafter.

School Updates and Schedule Changes

eLearning days starting Friday, September 27. Here’s what parents and students should know:

• Friday, September 27: Students will participate in an eLearning day, with all schools and district offices closed. Teachers will post their assignments on platforms like Google Classroom by 10 a.m., allowing students to learn from home.
• Thursday, September 26: All after-school programs, events, and activities will conclude by 5 p.m. This includes cancellations of various sporting events and other extracurricular activities.
• Special Note: For students facing power outages, they will have up to five school days post-storm to complete their assignments. This ensures that no one misses out on crucial learning opportunities.

Among the institutions affected, Richland One has postponed their varsity football games initially scheduled for both Thursday and Friday to Saturday, September 28. This change reflects a community-wide effort to prioritize safety while keeping players engaged in their sport.

Libraries and Local Government

Alongside schools, public services are also adjusting their schedules. The Richland Library will close early on Thursday, September 26, with all library events canceled. All library branches are expected to remain closed on Friday, September 27, although online resources will still be accessible.

Similarly, Richland County Government offices will also close on Friday, but residents can still utilize the county’s website for urgent needs like paying bills or accessing other essential services. These adjustments help to ensure that everyone remains safe and informed during this weather event.

Community Preparedness

Columbia residents are encouraged to stay updated through local weather forecasts and heed any advisories issued by state and local officials. As conditions are expected to clear by Friday afternoon, several schools have indicated that extracurricular activities may resume after 3 p.m. Friday, but this depends on the situation at that time.

As the community braces for Hurricane Helene, the emphasis remains on preparedness and safety. Residents are reminded to have emergency supplies ready, stay indoors during the storm, and check in on neighbors, also keeping an eye on updates from authorities regarding the storm’s progress.

Let’s continue to look out for one another as we face Hurricane Helene together, and hopefully, everyone will stay safe and sound. Our resilient spirit is what makes our community strong.