Newberry County Struggles to Recover from Storm Helene’s Aftermath

Newberry County Begins to Recover from Storm Helene

The town of Newberry is gradually returning to normal as power is restored to shopping centers, gas stations, and traffic lights. However, just a few miles away in the rural areas, residents are still grappling with the aftermath of storm Helene, which wreaked havoc last Friday. Many families are still in the dark and may have a long wait ahead before things are back to normal.

Life in the Dark

Alyssa Wedaman, a resident living just outside Pomaria, described the eerie atmosphere after the worst of the storm passed. “We lost power Friday morning right when the strongest winds were battering the area. It was very ominous and scary to be out there at night,” she shares. The uncertainty of the trees snapping and falling around her only added to her anxiety. “All you could hear was the popping and snapping – you just didn’t know which direction they were falling,” she said, trying to put into words the feeling of helplessness.

As of Wednesday evening, power lines still lay perilously across her driveway, leaving her uncertain about when her electricity would be restored. Wedaman remains hopeful, stating, “I think they’re out there doing everything that they can. We just have to trust in that and wait it out.”

Community Support

In the heart of Newberry City, things are moving a bit smoother. Sheriff Lee Foster and his team have stepped up efforts to assist those in need. They are busy at their headquarters, distributing bottled water and ration meals to anyone who comes by looking for help. “I’ve never seen a storm cause as much damage as Helene,” Foster remarked. He compared the current devastation to previous storms he has experienced, noting that although storm Hugo caused more building damage, the sheer scale of tree destruction and electrical outages from Helene is unprecedented in Newberry County.

The Sheriff understands that feeling overwhelmed is normal after five days without power. “When you’re without power for so long, frustrations and anxiety are natural reactions. We just ask people for patience,” he reassured residents. “Those line crews are working hard to get everything fixed.”

Safety Measures

In an effort to maintain public safety during this challenging time, Foster has implemented a curfew for Newberry County until 6:00 a.m. Thursday. This means that residents should remain indoors each evening starting at 10:00 p.m., until the curfew is lifted. The curfew aims to address concerns over the dark, power-less streets and the potential for hazards.

A Promise of Assistance

Both representatives from Dominion Energy and local energy co-ops have promised that help is on the way for those still experiencing power outages. They are urging everyone to keep a positive outlook and to stay patient as their teams work tirelessly to restore power.

For residents without power, Wednesday was another challenging night, but many are holding on to hope. As the community pulls together to support one another, they are reminded that brighter days are just around the corner. Stay tuned for further updates, and remember that patience is key during this recovery phase.