Impact of Tropical Storm Helene on Power Outages in Greenville, SC
Tropical Storm Helene has left approximately 76% of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s members without power, translating to around 55,395 people. Significant tree and power line damage has led to extensive outages across various counties. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with thousands of homes having regained power today. Challenges still exist for many residents trying to navigate blocked roads to access essential services.
As of 8:20 p.m., the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative reports that approximately 76% of its members, totaling around 55,395 individuals, remain without power following the significant devastation incurred from Tropical Storm Helene. Outage data by county reveals that Anderson has 9,074 outages, Greenville has 5,538, Oconee has 18,653, Pickens has 22,080, and Spartanburg has 43. In a positive development, approximately 8,000 homes regained power today, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Blue Ridge Electric staff. A resident in the Piedmont Park Rd area expressed frustrations about their attempts to procure basic necessities, stating, “We can’t get out!” Due to downed trees and power lines, all routes were blocked, preventing access to nearby areas that reportedly had power. This individual anticipated that recovery and restoration efforts may take considerable time, given the extensive tree damage and numerous power lines affected by the storm. Furthermore, as of 1 p.m. the previous day, the situation had worsened, with 88% of members—an estimated 64,100—without power. Current outage figures included Anderson with 10,502, Greenville with 5,538, Oconee with 24,457, and Pickens with 23,638, alongside the minimal Spartanburg number. Additionally, Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative has deployed approximately 216 field workers for assessments and repairs, with more assistance expected from Maryland and Virginia. Residents are advised to prepare for prolonged outages and express gratitude for the linemen’s efforts as recovery progresses.
The article discusses the ongoing power outages caused by Tropical Storm Helene, detailing the significant impact on various counties serviced by Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. The storm has left large portions of the population without electricity, and the cooperative is actively working on restoration efforts despite the scale of the damage. The challenges faced by residents in navigating blocked roads due to downed trees and power lines illustrate the extent of the storm’s impact on infrastructure.
In summary, Tropical Storm Helene has resulted in widespread power outages across multiple counties, with Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative indicating that significant recovery work remains. Community members are facing challenges in accessing essential services due to blocked roads, emphasizing the dire situation. Nevertheless, the cooperative’s response efforts are commendable, with significant progress made in restoring power to affected homes. The situation calls for community resilience as residents prepare for an extended recovery period.
Original Source: weather.com
