News Summary
Hilton Head Island is reeling from the impact of Hurricane Helene, which has left hundreds of residents without power. As South Carolina grapples with widespread outages affecting over 1.3 million customers, restoration efforts are underway. While Beaufort County is particularly hard hit, Hilton Head has reported minimal outages thanks to underground power lines. Residents are advised to stay safe and take precautions with perishable items during this challenging time.
Hilton Head Island Residents Left in the Dark as Hurricane Helene Strikes
Hilton Head Island, a beautiful paradise in South Carolina, is currently grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has left hundreds of residents without power. As of Thursday just after 5 p.m., approximately 786 customers were affected by a significant power outage, according to reports from Palmetto Electric Cooperative.
Widespread Power Outages Across the State
The situation has escalated across South Carolina, with more than 1.3 million electric customers reported to be without power as of early Friday morning. In Beaufort County alone, roughly 50,000 residents are dealing with electricity issues, and that figure includes around 1,600 customers still left in the dark. Meanwhile, Jasper County is facing the most significant issues, with about 6,300 customers affected.
Power Restoration Efforts Underway
Teams from Palmetto Electric are working tirelessly to restore power. As restoration progresses, the percentage of outages has thankfully dropped from a staggering 47% to 36%. Much of the disruption has been caused by fallen trees that have taken down transmission lines. Crews, including those dispatched from Alabama, are on the ground assisting with these restoration efforts. However, the timeline for complete restoration remains uncertain due to ongoing challenges with downed trees impacting not only utility lines but also homes and substations.
Staying Safe During the Storm
Residents are encouraged to stay safe as Hurricane Helene continues its path. The storm made landfall at approximately 11:10 p.m. Thursday, bringing with it powerful winds that peaked at 140 mph, classifying it as a Category 4 hurricane. As a precaution, a tropical storm watch has been issued for the Lowcountry, and a tornado watch remains in effect until 8 a.m. Friday.
Community Impact and Response
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has reported numerous incidents of downed trees and power lines across the area. Many cars were seen waiting in line at local gas stations like Parker’s, with some stations closed entirely due to power outages.
A Glimmer of Hope for Hilton Head Island
Despite the widespread issues in the surrounding areas, Hilton Head Island itself has only reported three outages as of 7:15 a.m. Friday, thanks to its underground power lines. This has been a bright spot amid the chaos elsewhere in the region.
Take Action with Perishables
As frustrations mount and restoration efforts continue, residents are urged to take precautions, especially concerning food storage. After about four hours without power, it’s advisable to remove perishable items from refrigerators to prevent spoilage.
National Weather Service Alerts
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for potentially dangerous weather conditions persisting through Friday, adding to the stress faced by local communities. With hopes for prompt action and recovery, residents are left hoping for brighter days ahead.
As Hilton Head Island and the surrounding areas come together to navigate through this storm’s aftermath, community resilience is key. Fingers crossed for a swift return to normalcy!
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Additional Resources
- WSAV: Over 700 HHI Residents Out of Power
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Island Packet: Local News
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island Hurricane Helene
- The State: South Carolina News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- WPDE: Thursday Power Outages
- Google News: Hurricane Helene Affects South Carolina
