South Carolina Faces Widespread Power Outages Following Hurricane Helene
A significant power outage affecting nearly a million South Carolina customers has occurred following Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida. The storm has left approximately 2.5 million people without power across several states, with extensive damage estimated between $15 billion and $26 billion. Restoration efforts are in progress, with many expecting power to be restored before Sunday night.
South Carolina is currently facing significant challenges due to power outages in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which made landfall in Florida on Thursday morning. At present, nearly one million customers in South Carolina are without electricity, marking it as the state most affected by the storm, according to PowerOutage.US. Following South Carolina, Georgia reports approximately 671,367 outages, while North Carolina has around 547,630 affected customers. In a broader context, nearly 2.5 million homes and businesses across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia are experiencing power disruptions. The storm has not only caused widespread power outages but has also led to historic flooding across several states and incurred damages estimated between $15 billion to $26 billion, primarily affecting Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. According to updates from Duke Energy, customers located in the western regions of the Carolinas can anticipate power restoration by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday. However, the utility company indicated that many customers may see their power restored even before that timeframe, as restoration work commenced prior to Helene’s departure from the region on Friday afternoon. Hurricane Helene, which initially made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane, has since weakened to a tropical depression as it traversed through the Southeast. Tragically, the storm has claimed the lives of at least 61 individuals across the five states affected, as reported by the Weather Channel.
The power outages resulting from Hurricane Helene are part of a larger crisis that has affected multiple states, significantly impacting millions of residents. Helene’s initial landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane led to severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rain, contributing to infrastructural damage and widespread outages. Furthermore, the storm’s economic toll, with damages estimated in the billions, highlights the severity of this natural disaster and its ripple effects across different regions.
In conclusion, Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented damages and power outages across the Southeastern United States, with South Carolina facing the highest number of outages. Efforts to restore power are underway, and utility providers remain hopeful that many customers will regain electricity ahead of the projected restoration timeline. The storm’s toll on human life and property underscores the importance of preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
