Power Outages Continue in Greenville, SC Following Tropical Storm Helene
More than 55,000 members served by Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative remain without power due to the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene. Significant outages affect multiple counties, and the community is encountering challenges in navigating blocked roadways. Restoration efforts are underway with numerous workers in the field.
As of 8:20 p.m., approximately 76% of members served by Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, which equates to nearly 55,395 individuals, are currently experiencing power outages. This disruption is attributed to the severe damage inflicted by Tropical Storm Helene. The specific number of outages reported in various counties is as follows: Anderson County has 9,074 outages, Greenville County reports 5,538, Oconee County has 18,653, Pickens County encounters 22,080 outages, and Spartanburg County has 43 outages. Fortunately, 8,000 homes received power restoration today, and Blue Ridge extends its gratitude to all workers involved in these efforts. Residents in the Piedmont Park Road area have expressed significant challenges in navigating blocked streets due to downed trees and power lines, hindering their ability to procure essential resources such as ice. For instance, attempts to reach the Cherrydale area or other locations were thwarted by numerous obstructions in all attempted directions. Community members are urged to remain prepared for extended outages as recovery efforts progress, with approximately 216 workers actively assessing and repairing the damage in the field. An additional contingent of 17 workers is anticipated from Maryland and Virginia to assist with local restoration efforts. At 1 p.m., the scope of the power outages was extensive, with nearly 88% of members, totaling around 64,100 individuals, facing similar conditions across the counties outlined earlier.
This update is related to the ongoing recovery efforts following the destructive impact of Tropical Storm Helene in the region surrounding Greenville, South Carolina. The storm has caused widespread power outages and significant blockages from fallen trees and power lines, necessitating coordinated repair and restoration measures by the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. The particular focus has been on the assessment of damages and the deployment of crews to restore service as efficiently and safely as possible to the affected members of the cooperative. The ongoing situation highlights the importance of community preparedness during severe weather events and the necessity for external assistance during extensive recovery operations.
In summary, Tropical Storm Helene has left a substantial number of residents in Greenville, SC, and surrounding areas without power. The Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative is actively working to restore service to nearly 76% of its members, with a focal point on community safety and preparedness. Residents continue to face challenges due to blocked access routes, emphasizing the imperative for patience and resilience as repair efforts unfold. The cooperative’s commitment to service restoration is underscored by the deployment of over 200 workers, with additional assistance expected.
Original Source: weather.com
