News Summary
Tropical Storm Helene has caused devastating flooding across South Carolina, leading to a rising death toll of 29. The storm, which began as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida, resulted in major flooding in multiple rivers, power outages affecting over 745,000 customers, and significant road closures. Federal assistance is being mobilized for the affected areas as recovery efforts continue, emphasizing safety for those still impacted.
Columbia, South Carolina – Tropical Storm Helene has resulted in catastrophic flooding and loss of life across South Carolina, with the confirmed death toll rising to 29 as a result of the storm’s aftermath. Many fatalities have been reported due to trees falling on individuals and vehicles. The storm originally made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, then weakened to a Category 1 as it progressed inland through Georgia and into South Carolina.
Severe flooding has afflicted multiple rivers throughout the state. The Enoree, Saluda, Broad, Catawba, Wateree, and Congaree Rivers reached major flood stages, with the Saluda and Reedy Rivers in Greenville hitting record levels. The Broad River near the North Carolina border also recorded significant rises, leading to a series of evacuations and emergency measures.
Power outages have affected over 745,000 electric customers across South Carolina. Duke Energy customers account for more than half of those outages, predominantly in the Upstate region. Restoration efforts are predicted to extend beyond the weekend, according to the president of Duke Energy’s South Carolina division. Central Electric Power Cooperative has described the storm damage as “unprecedented,” necessitating extensive rebuilding efforts.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation has reported 480 road closures due to downed trees and power lines, further complicating recovery efforts. The hardest-hit areas include Spartanburg and Greenville counties, each experiencing six fatalities. A man in Anderson died after a tree fell on his vehicle while driving, and two volunteer firefighters in Saluda County were killed when a tree collapsed onto their truck during an emergency response.
In response to the disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved a presidential disaster declaration to facilitate the provision of federal assistance to the hardest-hit areas. Uninsured and underinsured homeowners in those counties are now eligible for financial help for repairs and temporary housing, which will assist in alleviating some of the long-term impacts of the storm.
Over 200 individuals have sought shelter in 16 different locations around the state. The Salvation Army is actively providing mass feeding sites to support those affected. The National Weather Service has issued ongoing flood warnings throughout the Midlands, predicting that many rivers will not recede below action stages for several days due to extensive rainfall accumulation, which forecasts suggest could reach between 8 to 14 inches in some areas.
Evacuations and mandatory shelter-in-place orders have been established in regions most susceptible to flooding and landslide risks. Local emergency services continue to respond to flood emergencies, having received over 3,000 calls for assistance, which includes multiple swift water rescues. Despite warnings from officials urging residents to stay indoors for safety, reports indicate that some individuals have been attempting to access streets and parks.
The response to Tropical Storm Helene is ongoing, and officials are coordinating efforts to ensure safety and provide necessary aid to affected communities. As recovery efforts commence, safety remains a primary focus for those still in harm’s way.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- South Carolina Daily Gazette: Death toll climbs in Tropical Storm Helene’s wake
- Wikipedia: Tropical Storm Helene
- WSPA: Tropical Storm Helene could impact Upstate
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Helene
- The Post and Courier: Hurricane Helene live updates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tropical Storm Helene
- Fox Carolina: All lanes blocked on I-26 West
- Google News: Tropical Storm Helene South Carolina
