Columbia, South Carolina Suffers Devastation as Tropical Storm Helene Strikes

Columbia, South Carolina Faces Aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene

It was a morning that many in Columbia, South Carolina, will not soon forget. On September 27th, 2024, the city, along with the rest of the Midlands and Upstate areas, was battered by Tropical Storm Helene, leaving devastation in its wake. Reports are already flowing in about the extensive damage, and it’s hard to overstate just how disruptive this storm has been.

The Impact of the Storm

The storm hit early in the morning with rain and heavy winds, gusting up to 67 miles per hour at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Ground conditions had already been softened by days of rain, and when the winds picked up, it was a recipe for disaster. More than 1.2 million people found themselves without power as trees came crashing down, blocking roads and damaging houses.

In rural counties such as Barnwell and Orangeburg, some areas received almost a foot of rainfall, complicating the situation even further. Tragically, at least 19 lives have been reported lost due to the storm, with two deaths occurring in both Newberry and Saluda counties.

Local Residents’ Stories

For many residents, Helene’s arrival was unexpected and terrifying. Graysen and Hannah Craddock, a couple who live just outside of Forest Acres, experienced this first hand. “I had just woken up to check on my dad when I heard a loud crash,” Hannah recounted. She was struck by a tree that fell into her bedroom. Thankfully, a group of neighbors rushed to help before first responders arrived.

Similar harrowing tales emerged throughout the area, with elderly residents in Irmo reporting structures destroyed by falling trees. In fact, two little girls in Forest Acres were injured by a tree that collapsed just outside their home. Fortunately, they escaped with just a few stitches, but the incident left the neighborhood rattled.

Damage and Recovery Efforts

Throughout the day, work crews were busy clearing roads of the debris left by the storm. They faced substantial challenges, as trees and power lines were strewn across multiple streets in Forest Acres and other affected neighborhoods. The Trenholm Road and Forest Hills areas of Columbia saw particular devastation, with numerous fallen trees causing blockages.

One dramatic moment occurred near the intersection of Trenholm Road and Beltline Boulevard when a falling tree crushed a parked car. The scene was chaotic, as crews raced against the clock to restore power and reopen roads blocked by debris.

Looking Forward

As the sun began to set on that fateful day, residents were treated to partly cloudy skies, but the threat of rain lingered with a forecast of showers developing after midnight. The National Weather Service predicted a low of 72 degrees, and a 50% chance of rain reminded everyone that the storm’s aftermath might not be over just yet. Light and variable winds added to the evening’s discomfort as locals awaited updates on power restoration.

The storms of 2024 in South Carolina serve as a harsh reminder of nature’s unpredictable power. Social media and local forums became avenues for residents to share stories and seek comfort as they process the impact Helene had on their lives. The community spirit shined as neighbors helped one another clear debris and check in on each other.

In Conclusion

As Columbia and surrounding areas recover from Tropical Storm Helene, the path to rebuilding will demand resilience. The collaboration witnessed in the community amidst chaos speaks to the enduring strength of the people here. While damages are still being assessed, one thing is certain: the people of Columbia are strong, and they will rebuild together.