Beaufort County: Recovering from Tropical Storm Helene
Beaufort, South Carolina – It’s been quite a rollercoaster of a week here in Beaufort County as we all come to terms with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Despite the chaos the storm has caused in many parts of our lovely state, our corner of South Carolina managed to dodge the worst of it, which is something to be grateful for. After all, with accidents in several neighboring counties leading to numerous power outages and even loss of life, it’s a relief to report that our own community emerged relatively unscathed.
Storm Damage and Clean-Up Efforts
Tropical Storm Helene passed through on September 27, 2024, sowing destruction and chaos across South Carolina, particularly in the western counties. Tragically, this storm claimed 29 lives in multiple counties according to the latest reports. Here in Beaufort County, we were fortunate to record no storm-related injuries or fatalities. This is a blessing that we should certainly not take for granted.
However, we did suffer some damage. The popular Henry Robinson Boardwalk along Sands Beach saw a portion washed away, with pieces of decking now scattered in the marsh. Also, a dock along the May River is leaning precariously from the storm’s wrath. Residents might also notice a few less trees in their backyards as several downed trees led to the closure of May River Road. Thankfully, the pace of clean-up has been considerable, thanks in part to clear weather over the weekend.
Power Woes and Water Warnings
Helene did pack a punch when it came to power outages. At one point, over 34,000 residents in Beaufort County were left in the dark. As of now, with diligent restoration efforts, that number has been whittled down to about 3,000 customers still without power. The good news is that Dominion Energy estimates that by the end of the day on October 1, a significant majority of our county will have their electricity restored. Let’s give a round of applause to all the utility workers out there restoring our power!
However, some good folks on Daufuskie Island are still facing lengthy power outages. The island saw more than 400 residents cut off from electricity, making life a bit more primitive as the crews continue working to fix the system. With water pumps also requiring power, the Daufuskie Island Fire District is stepping in to set up a station to provide drinking water to those in need.
School and Community Resilience
We’re happy to report that the Beaufort County School District has put plans into place for students to return to classrooms on October 1 following days of remote learning. Cleanup crews have been working diligently to get campuses ready, and community spirit remains high as everyone rallies together to support one another.
Yet, it’s not all sunshine and roses as we begin to recover. Many residents are left reflecting on the human cost of Helene further inland, where some areas have reported dire circumstances and tragic losses, reminding us how lucky we are.
Storm Warning Tidbits
In what might surprise you, Helene actually spawned three tornadoes during its time in our area, all rated EF0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The most intense wind gust recorded in Beaufort County reached a hefty 75 mph. Rainfall totals varied significantly across the region, ranging from less than 2 inches in some areas to over 5 inches in others. It was a dramatic few days that tested our community.
Final Thoughts
As we gather ourselves post-Helene, we must remember the importance of community. Many are still without power, and while our county is slowly getting back to normal, let’s keep our neighbors in our thoughts and support them however we can. Here’s to hoping for clear skies now that we’ve seen the worst of the storm!
