Power Outages Hit Greenville as Hurricane Helene Approaches

Power Outages Hit Greenville as Hurricane Helene Approaches

Greenville, SC — A powerful thunderstorm swept through the Greenville area overnight, knocking out power for around 12,000 residents. As locals begin to clean up the aftermath, weather experts warn that the worst may still be ahead with Hurricane Helene on track to impact the region.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy rains are expected to return between 3 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, September 25, lasting into the evening and potentially well into the following day. Helene, currently a tropical storm, is expected to strengthen and make landfall on Thursday night, bringing with it up to half a foot of rain and strong winds.

Power Restoration Efforts Underway

As crews work around the clock to restore electricity, reports indicate that about 8,200 customers were still without power as of 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Duke Energy spokesperson, Ryan Mosier, reassured residents that teams were assessing the damage and working diligently to restore power. Trees and other debris caused significant disruptions, damaging power lines and affecting key substations in the area.

“We have no control over what Mother Nature brings our way,” Mosier said, urging customers to be patient as restoration efforts continue. He noted that some neighborhoods with fewer residents could take longer to get back online.

Schools Adapt to Power Outages

Two local schools, Greenville Middle School and Stone Academy, faced power issues but remained open on generator power. The school district provided grab-and-go meals instead of hot breakfasts, ensuring students had food during the outages. Plans for any disruptions later in the week remain uncertain as the weather forecast evolves.

Community Prepares for Helene

Amid the current power outages, local residents have been advised to prepare for strong storms. National Weather Service forecaster, Clay Chaney, encourages everyone in the Upstate to use the calm before the next storm to gather essentials such as first aid kits, phone chargers, water bottles, and non-perishable foods.

With storm preparations in full swing, Greenville residents are urged to stay updated on the weather and follow safety guidelines as Hurricane Helene approaches. As they navigate this challenging weather situation, community members remain determined to come together and support one another.