Power Outages Persist in Greenville, SC Due to Tropical Storm Helene

Tropical Storm Helene has caused widespread power outages affecting approximately 76% of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s members, with substantial challenges in restoring service due to fallen trees and blocked roads. Efforts are ongoing to repair damages, and residents are advised to prepare for extended outages.

As of 8:20 p.m., approximately 76% of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s members, totaling around 55,395 individuals, are still without electricity due to the extensive destruction wrought by Tropical Storm Helene. The following breakdown indicates specific outage figures by county: – Anderson County: 9,074 outages – Greenville County: 5,538 outages – Oconee County: 18,653 outages – Pickens County: 22,080 outages – Spartanburg County: 43 outages On a positive note, 8,000 homes have had their power restored today. Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative praised their linemen for their dedicated efforts. Residents have expressed frustration with their inability to travel due to numerous fallen trees and downed power lines obstructing roads. A member from the Piedmont Park Road area reported, “We can’t get out! We tried to find ice but encountered blockages in every direction, requiring us to turn back.” The Cooperative currently has approximately 216 workers deployed in the field conducting assessments and repairs, with an additional 17 linemen arriving from Maryland and Virginia to assist in the recovery efforts. As of 1 p.m., nearly 88% of members, which translates to approximately 64,100 individuals, remain without power. The updated outage numbers by county reflect ongoing challenges: – Anderson County: 10,502 outages – Greenville County: 5,538 outages – Oconee County: 24,457 outages – Pickens County: 23,638 outages – Spartanburg County: 43 outages Residents are advised to prepare for potentially extended outages and to appreciate the hard work of linemen tirelessly working to restore power.

Tropical Storm Helene has resulted in significant damage across multiple counties, leading to widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of residents served by Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. The storm has not only caused disruptions to power supply but has also made navigation challenging due to downed trees and power lines, prompting community members to express their experiences and frustrations regarding travel restrictions.

Devastation from Tropical Storm Helene has left a substantial portion of Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative’s service area without power. Efforts are ongoing to restore electrical services, but significant hurdles such as blocked roads complicate these recovery operations. The community is urged to remain patient and vigilant as crews work diligently to restore power and clear roads.

Original Source: weather.com