Power Outages and Damage Reported in Greenville County Following Hurricane Helene
Greenville County residents are facing power outages and other disruptions today as a result of Hurricane Helene, which struck the region over the weekend. Many have woken up to find their homes without electricity, prompting a greater focus on emergency resources and community support.
Power Outage Information
If you are experiencing a power outage, it is essential to contact your energy provider. The key contact numbers for the area are:
- Duke Energy: 800-769-3766
- Blue Ridge Electric Co-op: 888-258-3743
- Laurens Electric Co-op: 866-973-7867
- Greer CPW: 864-848-5500
Shelter for Evacuated Residents
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Crosswell Baptist Church located at 219 S. Fishtrap Road in Greenville. This shelter is designated for residents living along the Saluda River who may need to evacuate due to potential flooding. The National Weather Service has warned that water levels in the Saluda River near U.S. Highway 123 could rise higher than in the February 2020 storm, which displaced some community members.
Local roads that may be affected by the rising water include Riverview Drive, Knollview Drive, Riverview Circle, and Sentell Court.
School Closures and Changes
Greenville County Schools have announced the cancellation of classes for Monday and Tuesday due to widespread power and Internet outages. As a result, eLearning will not be feasible. Updates about classes on Wednesday will be shared once more is known about when power will be restored.
Several other school districts in the area, including Greenwood School Districts 50 and 52, as well as Laurens County School District 55, are also operating under modified schedules, with eLearning days set for September 27. However, all after-school activities have been canceled for Thursday, September 26.
Community Events Impacted
Additionally, events such as the SC Department of Agriculture’s Autumnfest, scheduled for September 27-29, are still set to proceed unless further notice is given. However, the Greenville Zoo will remain closed on September 26, creating additional changes in the community.
The full impact of Hurricane Helene is still being assessed as the community continues to recover from the powerful storm. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with local authorities for the latest information and assistance.
