Lexington, S.C. Emerges as Supply Hub for Residents Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

Lexington, S.C. Buzzing with Activity as Storm Aftermath Leaves Residents Seeking Supplies

Lexington, S.C. is currently experiencing quite the hustle and bustle as residents from nearby Georgia are flocking to the area in search of essential supplies. With the recent impact of Tropical Storm Helene leaving behind a trail of destruction, particularly in the Midlands, many folks are finding themselves making the trek across the state line for gas, groceries, and other necessities.

One resident from Augusta, Georgia, 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 resonate with quite a few travelers making their way into Lexington County, as gas stations are bustling with long lines and eager customers.

The Scene at Local Gas Stations

Just a few days after the storm, the parking lot of the Circle K gas station at 1100 South Lake Drive was a hive of activity on Sunday morning. Residents patiently waited in line as they fueled up their vehicles and portable generators. Tim Barton, an Aiken resident, shared that he traveled a significant distance to secure fuel for his generator since power had yet to be restored at his home. “I’m getting enough fuel to run my generator because Dominion Power is telling us we are going to be out of power for at least a week,” Barton explained.

As the queue grew outside, others from Augusta made their way to local grocery stores, such as Wal-Mart and Lowes Home Improvement, urgently searching for food, water, and ice. Aiden Hager, also from Augusta, remarked, “Gas isn’t for maybe an hour down the road; it’s hard to get gas. There are lines all the way down to the interstate,” indicating that for many, the wait times were stretching well into several hours.

Shopping Challenges in Augusta

Augusta residents Cierra and Baylor took the initiative to venture out despite the challenges they faced. “We lived two minutes away from a Kroger and we waited in line for hours yesterday, and even when we went in there, there was no cold food or anything,” they explained. “It was just the bare necessities, so that’s why we ventured out because we needed something.”

Ashley and Brandon McClain, another couple from Augusta, were also feeling the sting of power outages in their area. “We don’t have any power, no gas, no water, very limited groceries in Augusta right now, and we are going to be out of power until at least next Saturday, October 5th,” Ashley said, expressing their growing concerns for their children’s overall well-being.

High Demand for Generators

The local Lowes Home Improvement store in Lexington is experiencing a surge in demand for generators. While they currently have none in stock, they are actively working to replenish their inventory to support those in need. It’s clear that residents are preparing for the long haul as they navigate the aftermath of the storm.

As Lexington County buzzes with activity, it’s heartwarming to see communities come together amidst challenging times. While the storm may have left its mark, the resilience of both Lexington residents and those traveling from Georgia is a powerful testament to the spirit of unity and determination. Let’s continue to support one another as we work to recover from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene.