Minimal damage reported in Hilton Head Island due to underground power lines after Hurricane Helene.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
South Carolina Schools Implement Statewide Cell Phone Ban
Bluffton Hospital Plans Ignite Controversy
Cold Snap in Charleston Threatens Marine Life and Shrimping Industry
Firefighters Combat Multiple Fires in Beaufort County
Deadline Extended for Hurricane Helene Assistance in SC
Gracie the Eagle Welcomes New Eggs on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort County Considers Land Purchase for Elementary School
Beaufort Celebrates the Arrival of 2025’s First Baby
Port Royal Mourns the Loss of Beloved Former Mayor
Tax Time Countdown: What You Need to Know for 2024
News Summary Tin and Tallow Burgers has officially opened its doors in Hilton Head Island,…
News Summary Hilton Head Island is preparing for its fourth beach renourishment project, set to…
News Summary Residents of the Lowcountry are bracing for unusual winter weather, with potential snow…
News Summary Amid rising environmental concerns, Beaufort County officials are revisiting the effectiveness of their…
News Summary Surcheros Fresh Mex is set to open its first South Carolina location in…
News Summary Charleston is preparing for a chilly weekend with rain starting on Friday evening.…