Severe Thunderstorms Hit the Upstate, Causing Chaos and Power Outages

Severe Thunderstorms Hit the Upstate, Causing Chaos and Power Outages

As day broke over the Upstate on Thursday morning, the aftermath of a night filled with severe thunderstorms was clear. The storms, which rolled through the area early in the morning, left behind a trail of destruction that affected residents across several counties, with power outages, downed trees, and knocked-out traffic lights reported.

Storm Damage Explained

Residents were jolted awake by the rumbles of thunder, and as the storms charged through, the impacts began to unfold. Many families woke up to find their homes without power, and some even found trees leaning precariously against their houses or vehicles. A tornado watch that had been issued added to the sense of urgency, prompting many to check their emergency kits and stay alert.

As the storms passed, it quickly became evident that Anderson County felt the brunt of the damage. With over 19,000 customers without power due to Duke Energy’s reports, it was the hardest-hit area. Other counties like Greenville and Greenwood weren’t spared either, with around 2,000 customers also facing outages. The chaos didn’t stop there, as several county offices were closed due to power outages—a major inconvenience for many.

Power Restoration Efforts Underway

So, when will the lights come back on? Duke Energy estimates that for most affected customers in Anderson County, power should be restored by 2 p.m. on Thursday through to the morning of Friday at 7 a.m. Some areas may be fortunate enough to regain power earlier, while others are still waiting for crews to make the necessary repairs. Residents were advised that they could report any outage issues through their customer service channels.

eLearning Days for Students

With conditions deemed unsafe, the Anderson County School District Five made the decision to shift to an eLearning schedule for Thursday, May 9. Anderson School District Two followed suit, ensuring that students could continue their education despite the interruptions caused by inclement weather. Parents and students are encouraged to check their respective school communications for further updates.

Local Government and Services Impacted

The storm’s impact also reached local government operations. The following offices will remain closed due to power outages:

• Anderson County Courthouse Annex, 401 East River St., Anderson
• Ronald P. Townsend Building, 2404 North Main St., Anderson
• Treasurer and Auditor’s offices, 4 Civic Court, Powdersville
• White Street Convenience Center, 2151 White St. Ext., Anderson
• Craytonville Convenience Center, 200 Wilson Rd., Belton
• Special Population Recreation, 101 S. Fant St., Anderson
• Senior Citizen Programs, 101 S. Fant St., Anderson

Weather Calm but Challenges Remain

By late morning, the storms had subsided in areas like Anderson, Greenville, and Spartanburg counties, though light to moderate rain continued into the afternoon. Fortunately, flooding issues have only been reported in parts of Northeast Georgia and some areas close to Abbeville and Greenwood, so the general Upstate area is not expected to be significantly impacted by flooding.

For those still facing power outages and seeking assistance, Duke Energy continues to work diligently to restore power to every affected customer. Stay safe out there, folks, and keep an eye on the local weather reports as you navigate the recovery from this stormy night!