Severe Flooding and Damage from Tropical Storm Helene Impact Upstate Schools and Colleges
The Upstate region is facing significant challenges due to the severe flooding and destruction caused by Tropic Storm Helene. Many schools and colleges have canceled classes and adjusted schedules to prioritize the safety and well-being of students and community members.
Clemson University Offers Relief Facilities
In an effort to help the community, Clemson University announced on their Facebook page that they will open three facilities for campus members and the public starting Sunday, September 29. The university will operate Littlejohn Coliseum and the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. These facilities will provide a respite for residents impacted by the hurricane.
The Littlejohn Coliseum will feature power stations, WiFi access, limited food and drinks, and six showers available for the community. Meanwhile, the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex will offer four showers for family use. All minors must be accompanied by an adult during their visit.
Limestone University Cancels Classes
Limestone University has also decided to cancel all classes for Monday, September 30. The decision was made due to fuel shortages and ongoing power outages affecting both the campus and surrounding areas. A spokesperson emphasized their main concern is the safety of everyone involved, and they will make daily assessments moving forward.
Anderson University Faces Ongoing Power Outages
According to a press release from Anderson University, classes and activities are canceled through Tuesday for all campus facilities. The university is still without power, leading to uncertainty about when electricity will be restored. Students who can travel home safely have been encouraged to do so, while the Student Center remains open for those still on campus.
Furman University Remains Closed
Furman University has announced that their campus will be closed through Wednesday. The institution is currently without electricity, and crews from Duke Power have indicated that they cannot address the outage until at least Sunday. The university highlighted that the power loss greatly impacts living conditions, classrooms, and dining operations. As a result, all classes and activities are canceled, and no online learning will take place during this closure.
Wofford College and Other Institutions Respond
Wofford College has canceled classes through Tuesday as well. Meanwhile, all campuses of Spartanburg Community College will remain closed through Monday. Spartanburg Methodist College has decided to cancel classes for the entire week, with their fall break scheduled to begin on Thursday.
USC Upstate is closed through Monday, with classes canceled through Tuesday. Non-essential employees will be on a remote schedule during this time, and the university encourages students to return home if it is safe to do so.
Converse University and Local School Districts
Converse University has also suspended all classes and activities through Monday due to the severe weather and lack of power. According to the official college website, they are still without electricity as of Saturday.
In light of the widespread power outages, all Anderson County school districts will observe an e-Learning Day on Monday, September 30. District 3 Chief Communications Officer, Dylan McCullough, stated that they will provide flexibility for families who may still lack access to power or the internet. Greenville County Schools will be closed on both Monday and Tuesday, with e-Learning not possible due to the outages.
Similarly, all Spartanburg County school districts have announced closures for Monday and Tuesday, with the expectation that e-learning will not occur during this period.
Impact Assessment Continues
As the region recovers from the severe impact of Tropical Storm Helene, institutions are actively assessing the ongoing situation. Plans for the coming days and weeks will continue to evolve based on power restoration and safety for all community members.
