Tropical Storm Helene tore through Upstate South Carolina, causing widespread destruction, including fallen trees, downed power lines, flooding, road closures, power outages for thousands of residents, and the closure of businesses and schools.
Emergency and public work crews from Anderson County and crews sent from Horry County in the Pee Dee have tirelessly cleared debris and restored power to affected areas for the past week.
The National Guard has also assisted in the recovery effort to clear as many fallen trees and downed power lines as possible. According to the Anderson County Emergency Team, the National Guard brought in resources, including chainsaws, debris and brush crews, and medical personnel.
Emergency crews encountered numerous challenges, such as working at night and navigating through flooded waters and debris-filled roadways, fallen trees, and hazardous power poles in affected areas.
Anderson County roads, bridges
The Anderson County Emergency Team first reported 600 roadway closures across the county due to Hurricane Helene's impact, Remien said. Many of these roadways have now been cleared, allowing smoother transportation to access essential services.
Power crews are making tremendous progress, as about 1% of Anderson County remains without power, Remien said. Roads and Bridges department has also successfully reopened Harbin Road, and at least five roads remain closed long term.
Here is a list of the following roads that were closed due to washouts and will be closed in the foreseeable future.
County crews continue to work with the South Carolina and Air National Guards to clear roadways, pick up debris, and restore power.
Powdersville residents left without power for days
Powdersville and the City of Belton were among the hardest-hit areas in Anderson County, Remien said. Residents in these areas faced prolonged power outages, which left many homes without electricity for days, and debris-filled roadways limited travel.
On Tuesday, October 1, Anderson native David Yurkins spent the day working on a tractor in Powdersville, cleaning up brush from fallen and damaged trees. "I've seen a lot of trees down. It almost looks like a war zone with all the trees down," he said.
"Where I live in Powdersville, I counted half a dozen trees between our house, I-85 and I-81," he said.
Yurkins said the power was restored in some areas, relieving some residents, but many still do not. He noted that power crews have been working tirelessly to address these issues, making steady progress as they moved from one neighborhood to another.
Brianna Dehn lives in the Belmont Plantation neighborhood in Powdersville.
"My family was without power for four days," Dehn said. "Luckily, we had a generator and could keep the lights and fridge running. Our neighborhood also experienced damage from the tropical storm. Trees were down, and roads were blocked, which limited everyone's travel."
Dehn said the community came together to clean up the neighborhood and held a cookout to feed everyone food that would have gone bad due to the power outage.
Meghan and Trey Coomes organized the community cookout through a group chat.
"My family lost power for three days, and we lost everything in our fridge," Meghan said. "The community cookout with food that was about to go bad was a great idea.
"We also gathered supplies and donations and took them to the Picken County Community Center for North Carolina hurricane victims."
She said friends Erica and Ryan Rutledge also assisted.
Dehn and Meghan expressed how everyone worked together to help each other during a difficult time.
The community's support has been essential in the recovery efforts to overcome the challenges brought on by the tropical storm. Residents and neighbors have come together to share resources such as generators, clean up debris and fallen trees, and assist those in need, particularly the elderly who require power for medical equipment like oxygen.
One of their elderly neighbors, who is oxygen-dependent, didn't have power and couldn't travel for medical services.
They mentioned how they used generators to power her oxygen unit to ensure her safety during the outage.
Dan Bracken, Broker in Charge of Bracken Real Estate, and his wife purchased seven generators, which they lent to various residents over the week to help those without power.
Bracken emphasized the importance of community support during these difficult times. "I encourage everyone to contribute in any way they can, whether it's through financial assistance, donating supplies, or participating in clean-up efforts," he said.
Lynn Conlin, a retired respiratory therapist and Powdersville resident who is oxygen-dependent, expressed her gratitude. "I am a bad asthmatic," Conlin said. "Mr. Bracken supplied me and others with generators, which was a lifesaver during the power outage."
Oxygen-dependent patients are encouraged to call 864-276-8620 for help. This number connects them to local resources and volunteers who can provide necessary support and equipment during power outages.
Backen mentioned that he and his wife also plan to send generators and essential items to North Carolina, where the storm caused severe damage.
Anderson native Jeffrey Sexton of Liberty took it upon himself to help others by cutting fallen trees, clearing roads or debris, and aiding people trapped in homes.
Sexton said he got the idea from Grindstone Ministries, which assists in relief efforts during natural disasters. Inspired by their work, he felt compelled to do the same in his community.
"I wanted to contribute in any way I could," he added. "I don't have the money or time they do, but lending a hand to my neighbors and offering my skills felt like the right thing to do."
City of Belton Hurricane Helene recovery efforts
Like many other parts of Anderson County, the City of Belton faced numerous challenges, such as downed trees, flooding, and widespread power outages.
"The City of Belton is continuing to work diligently to clean up from the tropical storm that hit us early Friday morning on September 27," Mayor Eleanor Dorn said in a statement.
"Most of our roads are open," she said. "Duke Energy will have to clear the impassable roads. The City of Belton cannot cut or move trees that touch a power line."
Belton's water system is operating normally and running at full capacity.
Senior construction manager Marcus Hubbard has been assisting crews in rebuilding the grid in Belton.
In Upstate South Carolina alone, approximately 6,000 poles and 30,000 pole-to-pole spans of primary wire have been damaged.
Restoration efforts in South Carolina have benefited from a crucial collaboration with the SCDOT, as Duke Energy crews have made significant progress in clearing roads of storm debris and other obstacles.
Mayor Eleanor Dorn expressed how community members have pitched in to clear streets, distribute bottled water, and provide food and other essential services.
"Seeing many students volunteering for their community was impressive," Dorn said. "This type of willingness to roll up their sleeves and help instead of complaining is a testament to the strength and character of our citizens."
On Saturday, October 5, the South Carolina National Guard and county crews went door to door in the Belton and Honea Path communities to distribute water and ice to those without power.
They are transitioning to the Iva and Starr areas next. For those in need, an ice station is open in downtown Belton in front of 224 City Square and at the Iva Farmers Market.
"Grocery stores and food retail locations have not fully reopened, so we aim to ensure that food reaches the community as well as bottled water and ice to keep any medications and all chilled," Anderson County's administrator, Rusty Burns said.
"We're working to get more supplies in and out to that community," he said.
Travis Rose covers Anderson County for the Independent Mail. Reach him via email at [email protected].