Beaufort County Faces Power Outages and Traffic Challenges as Hurricane Helene Approaches

Beaufort County Faces Power Outages and Traffic Challenges as Hurricane Helene Approaches

As Hurricane Helene makes its way towards Florida’s Big Bend region, Beaufort County is feeling the storms effects with significant power outages and non-functional traffic signals. Residents here were notified of a tropical storm watch, prompting precautionary measures and a community rallying together to stay safe.

By Friday afternoon, the weather-related chaos became apparent. Traffic signals were out at several major intersections, particularly on U.S. 278 and S.C. 170, leaving many without guidance on how to navigate safely through the area. Local authorities, including the South Carolina Highway Patrol, urged drivers to treat these intersections like a four-way stop, emphasizing the need for patience and caution. Trooper Nick Pye advised residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, underlining that safety is the top priority during this unpredictable weather.

Power Outages Affect Thousands

As of early Friday, power was out for approximately 32,347 Dominion Energy customers in Beaufort County. That’s more than half of the county’s total customers, which is around 61,494 based on data from PowerOutage.us. Fortunately, efforts to restore power were already underway, showing a 20% decrease in total outages from the morning. However, for those under the Palmetto Electric Cooperative, only about 1,743 households were without power, reflecting a more stable situation for those residents.

Keeping Traffic Safe

With traffic signals down, navigating the roadways posed a challenge. In different parts of Beaufort County, several intersections were highlighted as non-functional on Friday afternoon. For residents in nearby Hilton Head Island, the outlook was a bit brighter. Thanks to most of the power lines being situated underground, the island managed to steer clear of the widespread outages that impacted many surrounding areas. By Friday, traffic lights across the island appeared to be operational, a small relief in the wake of the storm.

Continued Monitoring and Community Updates

As the situation unfolds, it’s essential for residents to stay informed about power restoration efforts and traffic updates. Hannah Robinson, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Department of Transportation, confirmed that the agency was focusing its resources on primary routes. However, no specific timeline for repairing the signals on Fording Island Road was available as of Friday afternoon, leaving many to navigate with caution.

Local leaders and agencies are closely monitoring the situation and encouraging community members to share updates on issues such as non-functional traffic signals. Anyone witnessing such incidents can report them by emailing newsroom@islandpacket.com. Keeping lines of communication open ensures that everyone stays aware and informed.

Looking Ahead

While Hurricane Helene proves to be a formidable force, the spirit of the Beaufort County community remains strong. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared as recovery efforts continue. As updates roll in, staying updated could make all the difference in navigating the days ahead.

Though the winds may be howling, the determination of the community will shine brightly as they weather this storm together. Stay safe, Beaufort County!