Restoration Efforts Continue Following Tropical Storm Helene in Aiken
Aiken, South Carolina has seen a tremendous effort from power companies as they work diligently to restore electricity following the damaging winds and rains of Tropical Storm Helene that hit the region on September 27. As we take a look at the current situation, it is encouraging to see improvements, albeit with some challenges still ahead.
Weather Update
This week is forecasted to be sunny with a high of 81°F, so let’s hope for some clear skies to assist with ongoing repair efforts. Winds are expected to come from the northeast at 10 to 15 mph. Overnight temperatures will dip to around 62°F, bringing in a calm evening to relax after a hard day’s work.
Power Restoration Progress
Dominion Energy South Carolina and Aiken Electric Cooperative have been hard at work since the storm passed. As of the latest updates on Monday, October 7, about 3,808 of Dominion’s 62,038 customers in Aiken County still didn’t have power. Meanwhile, around 4,000 members of Aiken Electric were also left in the dark. Though the numbers sound considerable, the good news is that over 84% of Aiken Electric’s 52,000 customers have had their power restored.
The president of Dominion Energy, Keller Kissam, shared that the area has seen the largest influx of linemen in his 36-year career, with a staggering one lineman for every seven households. He mentioned that the devastation caused is “unbelievable” and likened it to damage seen during Hurricane Hugo, emphasizing that 88 transmission lines were down following Helene.
Community Support and Shelters
To help facilitate these restoration efforts, a “tent city” has been set up by Aiken Electric for the linemen located on Bettis Academy Road, providing them with hundreds of cots for rest as they work tirelessly around the clock. Temporary shelters by Dominion Energy are also aiding in this mission.
Dominion expects to restore power to 95% of its Aiken County customers by Wednesday, October 9, which is a promising outlook. Aiken Electric has also begun reassuring customers about estimated restoration timelines, allowing everyone to stay informed on their specific situations.
Impact of the Storm
Sadly, we cannot overlook the human impact of this storm. According to the Aiken County Coroner’s Office, three more deaths have been linked to Tropical Storm Helene, bringing the total to ten. This heartbreaking statistic serves as a reminder of the storm’s severity.
Insurance Assistance Available
For those affected, the South Carolina Department of Insurance has set up assistance resources available on October 7 and 8 in Aiken, helping residents file claims and answering queries about insurance. They will be located at the Aldi’s parking lot from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This outreach is a great way for community members to get the help they need in navigating this challenging process.
Long-term Recovery Efforts
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also stepped in, approving over $57 million for disaster assistance for more than 73,500 households thus far. With teams on the ground, they are there to offer support and resources to those who need it most during this tough time.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed given the circumstances, but the spirit of community and support is incredibly strong in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. We encourage residents to stay updated, lean on one another, and take advantage of the resources available as we move forward together.
