Greenville County Faces Flood Damage After Tropical Storm Helene
Greenville, South Carolina, is picking up the pieces after experiencing the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, which passed through the region recently. The storm has left its mark, causing significant flooding and damaging infrastructure, particularly roads.
Road Closures and Safety Concerns
As of Tuesday, almost a dozen roads in Greenville County remain closed due to the flood damage incurred during the storm. According to local officials, the South Carolina Department of Transportation has deemed a bridge on South Hudson Street hazardous. This bridge, located near Unity Park—a lovely 60-acre green space beside the Reedy River—is a vital access point for residents and visitors alike.
Aside from the major bridge closure, city spokesperson Beth Brotherton indicated that while most roads are now open, some are only accessible as one-lane due to debris piles. She highlighted that there could be “sporadic closures due to utility work or tree work with heavy equipment” as crews continue to clear the aftermath of the storm.
Efforts to Clear Debris
Greenville’s contractor has been hard at work, having collected an astonishing 85 football fields worth of debris from the storm so far. This impressive feat speaks to the scale of the damage and the determination of local workers to restore normalcy in the area. Fortunately, as of now, mulching operations were set to begin on Tuesday, ensuring that debris will be processed efficiently.
Power Restoration Updates
For many residents, a glimmer of good news came with the restoration of power to most homes. However, about 6,500 customers were still without electricity as of Tuesday, a drastic reduction from the more than 1.2 million outages reported across South Carolina immediately after the storm. Duke Energy’s efforts to restore power have been commendable, and it seems they are nearing full restoration.
Ongoing Challenges
Bob Mihalic, a spokesperson for Greenville County, provided updates on the roads that are still closed, which include:
– Sharon Drive
– Neely Mill Road
– Honeysuckle Road
– Chick Springs Road (between Old Rutherford and St. Mark)
– Smith Circle (in Fountain Inn)
Many of these roads suffered severe washouts or other damaging impacts from the storm, and unfortunately, officials have not yet provided a timeline for when repairs might be completed. The South Carolina Department of Transportation has also reported that portions of Ikes Road and East Darby Road in Taylors, along with Greer Highway in Cleveland and Taylors Road in Greer, remain closed.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
Despite the challenges, the resilience of the Greenville community has been heartwarming to witness. Neighbors have been helping each other as they navigate the impacts of flooding and road closures. Local volunteers have stepped up, offering assistance to those who need it most, embodying the spirit of togetherness that defines this beautiful area.
As Greenville continues to recover, local authorities are urging residents to stay informed about road conditions and to be cautious while travelling. Continuous updates will keep everyone in the loop, ensuring that safety remains a top priority as the community rebuilds after the storm.
It’s heartening to see such dedication and spirit in Greenville, and with the support of the local community and authorities, normalcy will surely return in due time.
