Power Outages Sweep Through Lexington, S.C. After Hurricane Helene
Community Bands Together in Face of Adversity
Lexington, S.C. has been left reeling as the aftermath of Hurricane Helene brings widespread devastation across the region. Thousands of residents are currently without power, with the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina reporting that over 36,000 customers in Lexington County are awaiting restoration. The storm rolled through overnight, causing significant disruption to lives and homes.
In an update shared with the community, Chase Toler from South Carolina Electric Cooperatives mentioned that efforts to restore power are being pushed forward with great urgency. “This morning, our peak outage was around 9:10 a.m. when we hit 408,503 meters without power,” he said. Thankfully, as workers started to tackle the challenges head-on, that number decreased to 333,612 outages.
Despite the commendable efforts, countless residents are still grappling with the reality of a darkened home. On Friday alone, power was restored to 74,000 customers. But don’t pack your candles just yet! Due to the extensive damage seen across the Midlands, electric companies are calling for help from neighboring states. “Outside crews are coming from nearby states. They will begin work this evening and into tomorrow morning. It’s clear that the process of restoring power will be a multi-day event,” Toler added.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
The spirit of community has shone brightly in Lexington amidst the chaos. As power crews work diligently, residents have rolled up their sleeves to tackle the debris littering their neighborhoods. In Cross Lake Homes, a group united to clear a giant tree that had toppled, blocking the main entrance. Fifteen-year-old, Joseph Yasses, was one such resident who stepped in to help alongside his father and friends. “At first they were cutting the branches; I mean, you can see the branches right over here,” he recounted. “We tried to clear the roads, and I got to use my dad’s saw to cut some pieces and help clear the roads.”
Just a short distance away on Beach Woods Road, Austin Lovell spotted a similar scene. “It was about 14 or 15 of us out there, sawing a tree that fell into the street. It was blocked off, and we all worked together to clear it out, getting traffic moving both ways. After that, I’ve been driving around looking to lend a hand wherever I can,” he shared enthusiastically.
Looking Ahead
As the storms fade, residents are left to pick up the pieces, clean up the debris, and wait for the power to return. There remains a strong sense of camaraderie among the community as neighbors come together to support one another and share stories of their recovery.
While the future remains uncertain, the persistence displayed by the electric crews and the acts of kindness from community members give hope that brighter days are coming. The Electric Cooperatives have outlined resources for anyone wanting to stay updated on power outages or needing assistance during this challenging time.
As Lexington reemerges from this crisis, it’s heartening to see how people have banded together, proving that even in the darkest of times, a little light of community spirit goes a long way.
