News Summary
Tragedy struck Laurens County as Hurricane Helene caused the deaths of two individuals. A woman died when a tree fell on her tractor-trailer, and a man was killed when a tree collapsed on his home. Emergency Management officials reported extensive damage, with numerous trees downed and power lines affected, adding to a growing death toll across Central Georgia. The hurricane has now been downgraded to a tropical storm, but flooding and recovery efforts continue to challenge the community.
Laurens County – Two people have lost their lives in Laurens County as a direct result of Hurricane Helene’s impact, according to Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Bill Laird. The storm has left a trail of destruction, prompting officials to respond to numerous emergency calls throughout the night.
The first fatal incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Highway 441 South when a tree fell onto a tractor-trailer, resulting in the death of a 48-year-old woman named Angela Edwards, who was inside the vehicle. Angela’s husband, who was also in the truck, sustained only minor injuries. A little over two hours later, a second incident took place on Clairmont Drive, where another tree fell onto a home, leading to the death of 58-year-old Doug Brownlee. Doug’s wife, who was present in the house at the time, fortunately escaped uninjured.
Authorities in Laurens County received at least 140 calls reporting downed trees throughout the night, highlighting the severity of the situation. These two fatalities add to a rising death toll in Central Georgia, which now stands at a minimum of six linked to the hurricane’s aftermath. In Wheeler County, two individuals died when a suspected tornado flipped their mobile home. Their bodies were later discovered in a field approximately 100 yards from where the mobile home had been located. Additionally, Washington County reported two deaths; however, details surrounding these incidents remain unclear.
As Hurricane Helene has since been downgraded to a tropical storm, it continues to sweep across Georgia, causing widespread damage. Counties across Central Georgia are grappling with significant property damages, particularly from downed trees and power lines. The impact of this storm has been felt deeply, with communities now faced with costly repairs and recovery efforts.
Recent heavy rainfall associated with Hurricane Helene has also resulted in major flooding across parts of South Carolina, with specific areas receiving up to 20 inches. Flood warnings have been issued for numerous rivers due to excessive runoff, with meteorologists forecasting that some rivers are expected to reach major flood stage in the coming days. This presents an additional challenge for emergency responders and residents alike as they navigate the aftermath of the storm.
In a lighter note, the Laurens County Sheriff’s Office has announced that the Polar Patrol will be at the Waterloo Family Dollar on June 24, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This community initiative aims to provide free ice cream and KidPrint ID cards for children. The Polar Patrol relies on community donations, and those interested in supporting the initiative or seeking scheduling options can reach out to Deputy Snow for further information.
As the region reflects on the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the focus remains on recovery and support for those affected by this unprecedented weather event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Catastrophic Flooding in South Carolina from Tropical Storm Helene
City of Clinton Launches Traffic Safety Initiative
North Carolina Faces Power Restoration Challenges Following Hurricane Helene
Severe Thunderstorm Warning in Laurens County, SC
Power Restoration Efforts Underway in the Carolinas
Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath Causes Drop in NC Mountain Tourism
Tragic Incident in Newberry County: Pedestrian Struck and Killed
Newberry County Prepares for Wintry Weather
Tornadoes Strike Upstate South Carolina on December 29, 2024
Additional Resources
- The State
- 13WMAZ
- Fox Carolina
- WYFF 4
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Helene
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
