Lexington, S.C. Faces Increased Demand for Gas and Supplies Post-Tropical Storm Helene

Lexington, S.C.: A Town in High Demand for Gas and Supplies

It’s a bustling Sunday morning here in Lexington, South Carolina, and the local stores and gas stations are anything but quiet. In fact, they are positively hopping as countless Georgia residents make their way to this town in search of essential supplies like gas, groceries, and anything else they might need to ride out the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene that recently swept through the area.

Taking Precautions After the Storm

With the storm having left significant damage in the Midlands, many individuals from Georgia, particularly Augusta, find themselves traveling to Lexington to prepare for what could be a tough week ahead. One Augusta resident, who was graciously waiting in line at a Circle K gas station, shared, “You know I thought everyone was overreacting at first, but then I realized people were filling up cans for generators and so it’s not an overreaction, it’s a necessity.” This sentiment seems to be a shared understanding among those who are filling their tanks and stocking up their supplies.

Long Lines and High Demand

As we chatted with several locals and travelers at the Circle K located on 1100 South Lake Drive, the urgency of the situation became clearer. Tim Barton, an Aiken resident, told us, “I traveled all the way to Lexington to fill up a gas tank for my generator because Dominion Power is telling us we are going to be out of power for at least a week.” His determination to gather enough fuel to keep his home running on a generator illustrates just how dire things have become following the storm.

For some, the problem isn’t just limited to gas. Aiden Hager, another traveler from Augusta, explained, “Gas isn’t for maybe an hour down the road, it’s hard to get gas.” With lines extending all the way down to the interstate, finding fuel is proving to be a time-consuming task; “It’s hours—three hours, five hours wait times most places,” he added with an exasperated tone.

Just a couple of minutes away from the Circle K, the local Wal-Mart and Lowes Home Improvement have also seen a substantial uptick in foot traffic. Cierra and Baylor, residents of Augusta, told us about their frustrating experience: “We lived two minutes away from a Kroger and we waited in line for hours yesterday. Even when we went in there, there was no cold food or anything.” They emphasized that finding basic necessities has prompted many Georgia residents to venture further out, seeking items that are becoming scarcer by the minute.

Families in Need

Ashley and Brandon McClain expressed their worries as well, fearful about their children’s wellbeing during this chaotic time. “We don’t have any power, no gas, no water, very limited groceries in Augusta right now,” Ashley explained. With power not expected to be restored until at least October 5th, families like hers have been understandably feeling the strain.

Generators in High Demand

The local Lowes Home Improvement store has been inundated with inquiries for generators, as many opt for temporary solutions to their power problems. Unfortunately, the store has run out of stock but reassured customers that they are actively working to restock. With supplies diminishing, the need for preparation has never been greater.

The Road Ahead

As Lexington County continues to serve as a hub for those in need of resources post-storm, it’s heartening to see the community come together to assist each other in tough times. The situation may still be tough, but the spirit of resilience and community support shines through amidst the challenges. So, whether you’re standing in line for gas or shopping for much-needed groceries, remember, you’re not alone in this—you’re surrounded by neighbors and fellow locals ready to face these obstacles together!