Curfew Enforced in Newberry and Saluda Counties After Tropical Storm Helene Leaves Widespread Damage

Curfew Imposed in Newberry and Saluda Counties Following Tropical Storm Helene

NEWBERRY, S.C. — It’s been a whirlwind of events here in Newberry and Saluda Counties, with both communities grappling with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. Late Friday afternoon, Newberry County Council Chairman Todd Johnson took decisive action by declaring a state of emergency for the entire county, reflecting just how serious the situation has become.

The storm left a trail of chaos, and local officials are now working around the clock to assess the damage. To maintain safety and security during this challenging time, Newberry County Sheriff Lee Foster and Public Safety Director Tommy Long established a curfew set from 8 PM to 6 AM. Meanwhile, Saluda County is implementing a similar measure, with their curfew running from 6:30 PM to 8 AM Saturday morning.

Why the Curfew?

You might be wondering why a curfew is in place. Well, local leaders are taking this step to protect both the community and the vital workers who are working tirelessly to restore electricity and other essential services. With reports indicating that almost all residents in both counties were without power as of Friday, the need for safety has become paramount. According to data from PowerOutage.us, the situation has resulted in malfunctioning traffic lights and hazardous road conditions, complicating the storm recovery process.

“There are still trees falling and obstruction on the roads that may not be visible in the dark,” remarked Newberry County officials in their announcement of the curfew. “This is for your safety as well as that of the essential workers.” In the aftermath of the storm, these precautions are aimed at preventing individuals from taking advantage of any vulnerabilities in local businesses and neighborhoods.

Extent of the Damage

Newberry County Sheriff Foster has seen a lot over his 35 years in service, but he described the damage from this storm as “mass destruction.” It’s truly a sight to behold, with scenes of uprooted trees and property damage sparking concerns among community members. While some neighborhood residents have started coming together to lend a hand, it’s clear that the recovery process is just beginning.

Many families are still without power, which has led to inconveniences across the board. Schools are closed, and folks are being extra cautious as the cleanup begins. When the sun rises, residents will have a clearer view of the aftermath, but right now, safety remains the top priority.

What’s Next?

As the cleanup continues and power restoration efforts ramp up, officials are urging residents to stay indoors during the curfew to avoid any potential danger. Essential workers, including those involved in power restoration and healthcare, will not be affected by the curfew, so necessary services can keep running as smoothly as possible amid the chaos.

While the storm has certainly thrown a curveball at Newberry and Saluda Counties, the community spirit shines brightly as neighbors come together to support one another. Local organizations are also looking for ways to assist those in need as damage assessments unfold.

For now, residents are encouraged to stay safe, adhere to the curfew, and support each other in any way they can. As work continues to restore normalcy, we all hope for clearer skies ahead and a rapid recovery for our beloved communities.