Over 100K Midlands Residents Lose Power as Hurricane Helene Sweeps Southeast

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Over 100,000 residents in the Midlands are plunged into darkness as Hurricane Helene continues its disruptive path across the southeast United States. The hurricane, which has seen wind speeds of up to 85 mph, sweeps through the southern states, making its way towards Georgia and the Tennessee border.

Power Outages Reported Across South Carolina

Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage and disruption, with over half a million South Carolinians waking up on Friday morning without power. According to data collected by Bluefire Studios on Friday at around 7:20 a.m., the counties of Greenville, Lexington, and Richland reported over 100,000 power outages. Furthermore, around 85% of tracked electric customers in Saluda and Newberry Counties, and approximately 80% in Jasper, Colleton, Hampton, and Edgefield counties also experienced power outages.

Midlands Region Heavily Impacted

In the Midlands region, over 100,000 energy customers are without power. Richland County reported over 78,000 outages early Friday morning, with a majority being Dominion Energy customers. In Lexington County, over 92,000 residents are currently left powerless, which accounts for around 59% of all logged customers in the county. Sizable outages were also reported in Saluda, Newberry, Orangeburg, Sumter, Calhoun, Clarendon, Kershaw, and Fairfield counties.

Traffic Disruptions Continue

The storm has also caused considerable traffic disruption. In the town of Lexington, nearly all signal lights for the town’s major thoroughfares are without power. Town officials have urged drivers to observe road safe driving habits with a particular emphasis on treating intersections with inactive signal lights as a four-way stop.

Advice to the Public During Outages

Dominion Energy officials have provided important advice for dealing with a power outage:

Use caution when using a generator, operating them only outside

Disconnect all appliances until power is restored

Never touch or stand near downed power lines

Hurricane Helene Approaches Georgia/Tennessee Border

Hurricane Helene made its landfall at around 11:20 p.m. on Thursday night and has continued its way towards the Georgia/Tennessee border. Various road closures have been reported throughout the Midlands, and many schools and state offices have also announced schedule changes due to the storm’s impact.

Stay Informed

As the conditions continue to develop, residents are encouraged to stay informed about Hurricane Helene’s progression. Check back for updates and stay safe.