Devastation Strikes Greenwood, South Carolina After Hurricane Helene Leaves Community in Chaos

Devastation Strikes Greenwood, South Carolina After Hurricane Helene

Greenwood, South Carolina was left grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a storm that escalated from a category four hurricane to one that wreaked havoc across inland counties. The winds roared through at an astonishing speed of 70 miles per hour, and the rain poured down relentlessly, dumping nearly 15 inches in certain areas. By Friday afternoon and into Saturday, as the clouds cleared to reveal bright blue skies, the reality of destruction settled into the community.

Widespread Chaos and Damage

Residents awoke to a neighborhood transformed into a scene of chaos and damage. Tall, magnificent trees that had been around for decades were uprooted, taking down power lines as they crashed onto roads and houses. Greenwood emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas, with nearly everyone reported to be without power by Saturday.

“I don’t know if we’ve ever seen anything like this in Greenwood,” shared Robbie Templeton from the Greenwood County Council. “We’ve got power lines down everywhere, and people have got trees down through their homes.”

The devastation reminded some long-time Greenwood residents of the infamous tornado outbreak in 1984 which tragically claimed 15 lives in South Carolina. “It’s just incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Welborn Adams, a former mayor who witnessed a tree crash through his own kitchen roof.

Preparedness Challenges

While South Carolina is no stranger to hurricanes, many were caught completely off guard by Helene’s rapid transformation and its unexpected path through the region. Templeton mentioned, “When I’ve got friends from the coast calling me, checking on me, that’s unusual.”

The storm took a tragic toll, with reported fatalities climbing to at least 23, including two brave volunteer firefighters from neighboring Saluda County. Even with some preparations in place, residents expressed a collective sentiment that they were unprepared for such widespread chaos.

“We were not prepared, I don’t think anybody was prepared for this,” Adams conceded, highlighting that his family hadn’t even stocked up on basic necessities before the storm made landfall.

Roads Blocked, Services Out

As of Saturday afternoon, a staggering 99.4% of Greenwood County’s utility customers remained without power. Utility companies reported that downed trees obstructed many roads, slowing down the access for rescue teams and utility workers. Restoration of basic services is now underway, with local authorities working diligently to clear roadways and restore power.

“Right now we’ve got crews out assessing damages,” stated Abby Banks, Greenwood County’s public information officer. She further explained that they are striving to assist public services to return to normal amidst the challenges lying ahead.

Community Spirit Shines Through

Despite the chaos, a spirit of resilience and community shone brightly. Residents formed a united front, joining forces to clear roads and help each other in the aftermath of the storm. “Everyone is out helping each other,” shared Templeton, who observed an impressive number of Good Samaritans coming to the aid of their neighbors.

As businesses began reopening, long lines formed at gas stations and restaurants, with establishments like a local Publix and the Waffle House managing to stay operational with generators. Adams, whose shoulder ached from clearing trees with a chainsaw, noted that local eateries were giving away food to those affected.

Lingering Effects and Road to Recovery

However, the road to recovery is expected to be a lengthy one. Traffic lights are out across the county, while roadways remain cluttered with fallen trees, contributing to ongoing safety concerns. “Even though the sun was shining, there was still a feeling of chaos,” Adams observed. “People are running into each other. I just passed a wreck. It’s craziness.”

As Greenwood comes together to rebuild, the resilience and collaborative spirit of the community are shining bright amid the challenging aftermath of Hurricane Helene.