Severe Storms Cause Widespread Power Outages in Upstate SC

News Summary

Over 41,000 customers in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina faced power outages due to severe storms. With Greenwood County most impacted, utility companies are mobilizing thousands of workers to restore power and clear obstructed roads. Challenges are compounded by flooding and storm damage, as Duke Energy collaborates with local agencies to ensure safety and rebuild infrastructure. Community support is vital during this restoration period.

Anderson, SC – Over 41,000 customers in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina experienced power outages following severe storms that swept through the area. As of 6:30 a.m. on a recent day, approximately 13,000 Duke Energy customers were left without power, with the outages primarily caused by strong winds and damaging weather conditions.

Outage reports indicate that Greenwood County was the hardest hit, with more than 6,000 customers affected. Anderson County followed closely with over 5,000 outages, while Greenville County saw more than 800 cases of lost power. The peak of the outages, which significantly impacted daily life, prompted immediate attention from utility workers and local agencies.

Efforts to restore power are underway, with more than 21,000 workers engaged in repair and recovery operations. Duke Energy, which serves 8.4 million customers across several states, is collaborating with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and other local, state, and federal agencies to expedite the restoration process. The cooperation is viewed as vital for overcoming the challenges posed by the storm damage.

Anderson city officials have reported significant wind and tree damage affecting multiple homes throughout Anderson County. In addition to power outages, roads in the region have been obstructed due to fallen trees and power lines. The South Carolina Department of Transportation is actively clearing the blocked roads, encouraging residents to report any road obstructions by calling (864) 260-4444.

In surrounding regions, such as Elbert and Franklin Counties, Hart Electric Membership Corporation reported 635 members also without power as of 8 p.m. on a Sunday. The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that downed trees and power cables are a widespread issue across their jurisdiction, compounding the difficulties for restoration efforts.

Restoration teams are working diligently in a challenging environment, as some areas are confronting additional hurdles due to flooding that has damaged roads and bridges. These conditions further complicate the effort to restore power and accessibility to affected communities.

The severe weather was attributed to a recent hurricane, which caused extensive damage to the electric system, including the destruction of transmission towers, substations, utility poles, and power lines. The aftermath presents a complex situation that requires careful management and mobilization of resources to ensure that residents can return to normalcy as quickly as possible.

Duke Energy has emphasized the importance of community support during this restoration period. The company is committed to transitioning towards clean energy solutions while also ensuring necessary infrastructure upgrades to better withstand future storms. The ongoing efforts to restore power reflect not only the resilience of the utility’s workforce but also the support of local communities coming together in times of need.

For residents and businesses impacted by the outages, continuous updates on restoration efforts and safety information will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. As efforts progress, authorities remain focused on restoring power and ensuring safe conditions for all affected individuals and families.

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Additional Resources

• WYFF 4 News: Power Outages in Upstate SC
• Wikipedia: Power Outage
• WLOS: Power Outages Report
• Google Search: Power Outages South Carolina
• Fox Carolina: Duke Energy Power Outages
• Google Scholar: Storm Power Outage Response
• Duke Energy: Power Restoration Efforts
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Power Restoration
• Fox Carolina: Severe Weather Causes Power Outages
• Google News: Severe Weather Power Outages

Author: HERE Greenwood