Devastation Hits Newberry as Hurricane Helene Causes Tragedy
Newberry, S.C., has been left reeling after the impact of Hurricane Helene, which has proven to be one of the most destructive storms that the county has seen. With two confirmed fatalities and four additional injuries, local officials, including Sheriff Lee Foster, are expressing deep concerns about the overall safety and welfare of the community.
Tragic Loss of Life
The Newberry County Coroner, Laura Kneece, reported that tragedy struck on Friday morning at around 9:30 a.m. when a vehicle collided with a fallen tree on Chapman Road in the Little Mountain area. Robert Wise, 49, and his wife, Valencia Jones Wise, unfortunately lost their lives at the scene of the accident. Residents are mourning this heartbreaking loss, and it has brought a sense of fragility to a community already on edge due to the ongoing storm.
Power Outages and Emergency Services
As Hurricane Helene continues to wreak havoc, residents across Newberry County, which has about 38,000 people, are left without power. Reports indicate that AT&T outages have rendered many phone lines inoperable, compounding the challenges faced by residents seeking assistance. Authorities have urged the community to reserve calls to 911 for emergencies only, given the current state of communication disruptions.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
In response to the unfolding situation, a shelter has been opened at Gallman Elementary School, providing refuge for families in need of a safe place. Local officials, volunteers, and emergency workers are on-site to assist those who arrive, ensuring they have access to basic necessities during this trying time.
Dam Concerns and Curfews
Adding to the community’s worries, the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has raised alarms that the dam at Lake Lure is at high risk of failing. Authorities are on standby and have advised those living near the Broad River to be prepared to take action should flooding occur. To further ensure public safety, a curfew has been established from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., with exceptions for essential workers and first responders. Sheriff Foster emphasized this measure as an effort to protect vulnerable businesses and those assisting in power restoration.
Widespread Damage and Community Resilience
According to Sheriff Foster, damage from Hurricane Helene has been quite extensive. “This storm is the worst I’ve seen in all my years in Newberry County,” he shared. The diverse terrain, which consists mostly of rolling hills, combined with the historical issues of flooding in the area, has led to significant challenges. Many roads are lined with downed trees and limbs, leading to dangerous driving conditions as well as limited traffic light functionality due to power outages.
Community Remains Vigilant
With concerns of street flooding and the danger posed from hydroplaning vehicles, sheriff officials advise drivers to exercise extreme caution. Foster noted that the city of Newberry has a creek that has flooded in the past, highlighting the community’s potential vulnerability. “Most communities have been affected,” he added, indicating that no corner of the county has gone unscathed.
Together We Stand
As Newberry navigates the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the community’s spirit continues to shine through. Neighbors are banding together, lending a helping hand to those in need, and first responders are working tirelessly to restore order amidst the chaos. While fears linger regarding the storm’s impact, the resilience shown by the citizens of Newberry stands as a testament to the strength of community in times of crisis.
