News Summary
As Hurricane Helene approaches, Laurens County, South Carolina, is facing severe disruptions. Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency to prepare for heavy rains, flooding, and potentially damaging winds. Local resources are strained, with over 34,000 power outages reported and essential supplies running low. The Army National Guard is providing assistance, but concerns remain regarding the availability of federal aid for affected communities. Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the storm nears.
Laurens County, South Carolina is grappling with severe disruption as Hurricane Helene approaches, prompting a state of emergency across the state. This declaration, issued by Governor Henry McMaster, aims to ready communities for widespread flooding and anticipated storm damage as Helene intensifies and moves northward.
The hurricane is expected to make landfall in Florida before impacting South Carolina, with heavy rains and strong winds forecasted to hit the region from Thursday into Friday. The National Weather Service warns that rainfall could reach up to 3 inches, with even higher amounts in western parts of the state. Wind gusts are predicted to reach up to 50 mph, increasing the risk for tornadoes and potential power outages.
In Laurens County, the situation is dire. The local Army National Guard has been deployed to assist residents affected by the storm. They are providing essential supplies, including Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), food rations, and bottled water to communities struggling with shortages. Local grocery stores have been reported to be largely emptied, leaving many residents in need of basic necessities.
Power outages have become a significant issue, with reports indicating over 34,000 outages in Laurens County as of Wednesday, and nearly 25,000 customers remaining without power. Many residents have endured more than 100 hours without electricity, complicating recovery efforts and increasing frustration amidst the chaos. The local electric companies, Laurens Electric and Duke Energy, have advised that power restoration could take several days, as broken utility poles and century-old trees have contributed to the extensive damage throughout the area.
The devastation from Hurricane Helene has been described as unprecedented by the Laurens County Fire Department’s Director, highlighting the severity of the storm’s impact on the community. As recovery and assessment efforts continue, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is currently evaluating the situation, but Laurens County has not yet been designated as a federal disaster area. Local residents are expressing their concerns about the lack of federal assistance for smaller communities facing these challenges.
To support those affected, the Army National Guard has set up two distribution sites for essential items, available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. An emergency shelter has also been established at 301 Exchange Drive in Laurens for those in need of immediate refuge. Community members are encouraged to report any property damage at this emergency shelter.
In light of the impending storm impacts and the substantial challenges facing Laurens County, residents are urged to stay vigilant, take necessary precautions, and keep updated with local weather forecasts in the coming days. Authorities recommend that individuals prepare for possible further disruptions as Hurricane Helene continues its path toward the Carolinas.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4: Debby Storm Updates
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Fox Carolina: Army National Guard Assistance
- The State: Weather News on Helene
- Greenville Online: Hurricane Helen Updates
