Helene Leaves Thousands in South Carolina Without Power

Helene Leaves Thousands in South Carolina Without Power

Columbia, S.C. – The fun atmosphere of the weekend took a sudden turn as over half a million people in the Midlands found themselves without power after Hurricane Helene swept through South Carolina. It’s been more than 24 hours since the storm made its impact felt, and the reality of living without electricity is setting in for many residents.

Widespread Outages

On Friday morning, it was reported that more than one million electric customers experienced outages throughout the state. A lot of people woke up to the shocking realization that they were without power. As of late Saturday afternoon, the numbers show a daunting scene of blackouts, primarily in Lexington and Richland Counties where outages are still prevalent.

According to the details shared by data from Bluefire Studios’ outage map, the counties hardest hit included Lexington, Greenville, and Spartanburg. Residents were seen gathering with neighbors to share candles and flashlights, while others frantically reached for their mobile chargers, hoping for some battery life. The atmosphere was a mix of concern and camaraderie as people shared resources and checked in on one another.

Current Status of Power Restoration

Dominion Energy has been working tirelessly to tackle the situation. On Saturday, they announced that efforts to restore power and rebuild the necessary infrastructure will continue well into next week. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during this challenging time,” a representative said. “Our teams are doing everything possible to bring the lights back on.”

Many residents remain in the loop thanks to local updates and social media, with some sharing real-time information about the status of their neighborhoods. “I was just so thankful to get a text from a friend who is in the area—I thought I was the only one without power,” one Columbia resident remarked while charging her phone in the car.

Community Spirit Shines Through

But it hasn’t all been gloom. The community spirit is alive and well. Local businesses have come together, providing free meals to those in need, collected supplies like bottled water, and even organized cozy gatherings in community centers that still have power. Neighbors are leaning on each other, offering their kitchens for cooking and coming together for warmth and company.

As day turned into night, some families bundled up in warm blankets, reminiscing on fond memories of storms past and sharing ghost stories, trying to make the best out of a tough situation. Noticeably, there has been a collective effort where everyone is making do with a sense of humor. “I’ve learned how many board games I really own,” joked a father of three as they sat with lanterns illuminating their faces.

Helpful Tips for Residents

For those still facing outages, here are a few tips to navigate through the situation:

• Stay Informed: Keep your phones charged as much as possible and browse local announcements for updates on power restoration.
• Check on Neighbors: If you’re able, make sure to reach out to those around you, especially the elderly and those who may need assistance.
• Use Supplies Wisely: Ration your food and water supplies, and think creatively for meals that don’t need cooking.

Looking Ahead

As restoration efforts unfold, many remain hopeful that life will return to normal soon. For now, it’s a moment of resilience and unity among South Carolinians. While storms may shake up our lives, they remind us of the importance of community and looking after one another in challenging times.

We’ll continue to share updates on the situation as it unfolds, and here’s hoping for brighter days ahead for everyone affected by Helene!