Greenwood Weathers the Storm: Community Bands Together Amidst Aftermath
Greenwood, Sept. 30, 2024 – The friendly chatter among residents at various locations in Greenwood over the weekend reveals a remarkable sense of community spirit as they come to grips with the chaos left behind by Friday’s storm. The weather remains unpredictable with considerable cloudiness expected and a slight chance of a rain shower. Temperatures will be around 81°F with winds blowing from the WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight, it will be slightly cooler at 63°F with a few clouds and light, variable winds.
Long Lines and Optimistic Faces
As businesses began to reopen, lines formed swiftly. At McDonald’s on Hwy. 72 Bypass, a common sight was two employees waving signs that read “Cash only” at the drive-thru lane. Being one of the only two McDonald’s open, it quickly became a hot spot for those craving a warm meal. The surrounding traffic reflected the restaurant’s popularity, with vehicles causing a bit of a jam.
Wal-Mart and Lowe’s Drawing Crowds
Amanda Blocker, who had waited in line at the Wal-Mart on Hwy. 72 for over an hour, finally neared the front doors. Her cheerful demeanor hinted at the resilience omnipresent among the crowd. Blocker noted, “Everybody is nice and the line is moving well.” She intended to pick up essential supplies such as paper towels, tissue paper, and water, thanks to a small generator that kept their food from spoiling.
Meanwhile, her husband visited Lowe’s early on Sunday to procure a larger generator. A food truck stationed at Lowe’s offered some respite to the shoppers. Blocker remarked on the storm’s intensity, noting, “I’ve never seen anything like this.” Despite assurances from the National Weather Service that no tornado had struck, she remained skeptical.
A Bit of Humor Amid the Chaos
In another part of the Wal-Mart line, Kaitlin Moseley recounted a humorous incident, describing how a hybrid chicken was thrown by the winds into a window, seemingly unscathed after its brief flight. Her neighbor quipped, “Now you know chickens really can fly.” Despite the dire circumstances, the community managed to find moments of levity.
Fuel Frenzy Continues
The frenzy extended to fuel stations as well. A line of vehicles stretched down the block at the fuel station in front of the Wal-Mart Shopping Center. Even with working traffic signals, the flow of traffic was hindered by the sheer volume of cars.
YMCA Steps Up as Emergency Shelter
The YMCA of the Lakelands emerged as a beacon of hope, serving as an emergency shelter to accommodate overflow from Self Regional Medical Center. Director of Fitness and Wellness, Jan Rushton, said at least 25 people were housed there by Sunday. The YMCA, collaborating with the American Red Cross, set up cots and has also opened its doors for people to charge their cellphones and take showers. “We love our community and we want to do our best,” stated Rushton.
Power Woes and Close-Knit Evenings
Several trees were uprooted throughout the town, leading to widespread power outages. Jennifer Villena’s major concern, however, centered around the Greenwood County Detention Center’s generator fuel. Living next to the center, she worried about what might happen if the power backup failed. Despite these concerns, Villena found a silver lining in the storm’s aftermath: enhanced family time.
With internet access down, her household reverted to classic board games and conversations, bringing a nostalgic touch to the otherwise challenging days. “I’m happy. At least we’re having more family time and talking like before the internet,” she said, acknowledging that others might be worse off.
The sense of unity and support in Greenwood shines through as residents grapple with the aftermath of the storm. With concerted efforts, they’re confident they’ll overcome these trying times and get back to normal soon.
