Lexington Residents Face Ongoing Power Challenges After Storm Helene
Lexington, S.C. — The aftermath of Storm Helene continues to leave many areas, including the towns of Lexington and Irmo, grappling with power outages. Communities are banding together as residents seek essential supplies and support. The roads are packed with people working tirelessly to help one another during these challenging times.
A Dedicated Supply Runner
Among the many individuals making a difference is Raven Rodriguez, who has made multiple trips from Augusta to Lexington on a quest for supplies. “I’m on my fourth trip now,” Rodriguez shared with a concerned look. “Gas, ice, and groceries are what everyone needs right now because they’re being told power might take weeks to restore.”
Rodriguez has turned his trips into a mini-rescue mission, filling up nine gas cans along the way to deliver to friends in need. “I found some gas stations, so I’m hoping this helps,” he said, laden with supplies. “Now, I’m heading back for water and food supplies.” His commitment serves as a heartfelt reminder of community spirit in times of crisis.
Searching for Fuel
It’s not just gas that people are struggling to find. Albert Robinson, a resident of Saluda, shares a similar experience. He ventured from his hometown to Batesburg-Leesville in search of fuel. “This is about the fifth station, and let me tell you, it was a challenge finding any gas at all,” Robinson explained. “No cars around made me feel like I was in a ghost town.”
After many failed attempts, he finally struck gold. “We just got lucky,” he exclaimed after filling up his tank. He even managed to secure some extra fuel for his generator, ensuring that he could keep his household running. “For now, we’re good to go because there’s no power in Batesburg-Leesville or Saluda.”
Local Businesses Bear the Brunt
It’s not only the residents who are feeling the impact. Local businesses like Friarsgate Supermart are facing staggering losses due to the prolonged power outage. Owner Viren Patel shared the heavy toll the storm has taken on his business: “I’ve been in this business for over 15 years, and I’ve never lost this much before.”
The power loss led Patel to discard nearly $7,000 to $8,000 worth of frozen goods that went bad. “I got a delivery of frozen items right before it happened,” he lamented. “As soon as that power went off, it was just devastating.” Many locals are rallying to support businesses like Patel’s as they navigate this difficult recovery period.
Hope for Restoration
In the face of these hardships, there is a silver lining on the horizon. Dominion Energy projects that they expect to restore 95% of power in Lexington County by October 3rd at 11 PM. Notifications to residents can be personalized to ensure they stay updated.
While the road to recovery may be long, the resilience of the Lexington community shines through. Residents are pulling together, sharing resources, and offering support in any way they can. It’s a stunning reminder that even amidst adversity, the strength of the community can illuminate the darkest of times.
