Greenville Faces Ongoing Power Outages Following Hurricane Helene
The city of Greenville is still grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, as approximately 350,000 customers remain without power as of midday October 1, 2024. The damaging storm has left many areas devastated, particularly affecting the energy transmission system, which has been severely damaged and requires complete reconstruction according to reports from Duke Energy, the primary power provider for the region.
Duke Energy anticipates that most of its South Carolina customers will have their electricity restored by Friday, October 4. For those needing updates on outages, detailed outage maps are available through Duke Energy and other local providers like Blue Ridge Electric Co-op and Laurens Electric Co-op.
Impact on Education
In response to the ongoing situation, Greenville County Schools have canceled classes through October 4, with no eLearning options currently available. Other local colleges, including Greenville Technical College and Anderson University, are also postponing classes, while some institutions, like Clemson University, have reopened.
Statewide Update
As reported by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, the storm has resulted in 29 fatalities statewide, highlighting the severe impact of Hurricane Helene. The counties most affected include Greenville with over 200,000 outages, Spartanburg with more than 154,000, and Anderson with over 72,000.
Resources for Residents
Residents seeking assistance can contact Greenville County at 864-467-3428 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for critical needs. For emergency situations, the public is urged to call 911 only. Additionally, the South Carolina Emergency Manager App is available for reporting property damage.
Transportation and Services
Road conditions are still precarious, and drivers experiencing issues are advised to contact the South Carolina Department of Transportation at 855-467-2368. In Greenville, motorists are also advised to treat non-operational traffic lights as stop signs.
Moreover, local shelters such as Hillcrest High School are accommodating those in need. For non-medical emergencies, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena is open for individuals with electricity-dependent medical needs. Residents can check public transit schedules as limited services resume.
Community Support
Local businesses are rallying to provide assistance. Walmart on Woodruff Road has set up portable showers and facilities for residents. Meanwhile, several establishments are offering meals and community support, further emphasizing the spirit of unity in the face of this disaster.
As Greenville continues to recover, residents are encouraged to stay connected to update sources and assist one another during this challenging time.
