Impact of Hurricane Helene: Power Outages and Recovery Efforts in South Carolina

Hurricane Helene has left nearly one million South Carolinians without power, contributing to approximately 2.5 million outages across the Southeast. The storm caused extensive flooding and resulted in significant property damage, estimated between $15 to $26 billion. Recovery efforts are underway with power expected to be restored by Sunday night in some areas.

Hurricane Helene has caused substantial power disruptions in South Carolina, leaving nearly one million residents without electricity following the storm’s landfall in Florida on Thursday morning. As of 12:30 p.m. ET, approximately 894,495 customers in South Carolina are experiencing outages, marking it as the hardest-hit state in terms of power loss due to the hurricane. Following South Carolina, Georgia reports 671,367 outages, and North Carolina reports 547,630. Overall, the storm has left about 2.5 million homes and businesses without power across the Southeast, including states such as Georgia, Florida, and Virginia. Significant flooding and an estimated $15 to $26 billion in property damage have also been reported as a result of Helene’s impact on the region. In terms of recovery efforts, Duke Energy has announced that residents in the western parts of the Carolinas can expect power restoration by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday night, with potential early restorations occurring beforehand as restoration work commenced even before Helene exited the Carolinas on Friday afternoon. The storm, which made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane before weakening to a tropical depression, has tragically resulted in at least 61 fatalities across the affected states.

The recent landfall of Hurricane Helene has led to widespread power outages across several southern states, with South Carolina being notably affected. Understanding the sheer scale of these outages is essential as it reflects the storm’s intensity and the subsequent challenges in utility restoration. The hurricane’s transition from a powerful Category 4 storm to a tropical depression showcases the severe infrastructural challenges faced during such natural disasters. As communities grapple with the aftermath, the economic implications, including extensive property damage and loss, are paramount to comprehend.

In summary, Hurricane Helene has caused extensive power outages in South Carolina and other southern states, affecting nearly 2.5 million homes and businesses. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with utility companies working to restore power as quickly as possible. The storm not only disrupted daily life but also inflicted significant property damage and loss of life across the region. The full recovery may take time as communities rebuild after the devastating impacts of this hurricane.

Original Source: www.usatoday.com