Columbia, South Carolina, September 26, 2025
News Summary
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, South Carolina’s utility companies are reassessing their emergency response strategies. The storm caused extensive power outages, affecting over a million residents. Lessons from the storm emphasize the need for improved communication and logistical challenges faced during restoration efforts. With significant infrastructure damage and loss of life, utility officials are committed to enhancing preparedness for future storms.
Columbia, South Carolina — One year after Hurricane Helene ravaged South Carolina on September 27, 2024, utility companies across the state are reflecting on the significant challenges and lessons learned from the devastating storm. Hurricane Helene resulted in over a million homes and businesses losing power, compelling utility officials to rethink their preparedness strategies for future tropical storms.
Utilities, including Dominion Energy and Fairfield Electric, faced extensive outages during the storm, with reports indicating that more than half of their customers experienced disruptions. The unexpected route of Hurricane Helene caught many utilities off guard, leading to what has been described as a “Herculean effort” for restoration. Crews from other states, including Iowa and Michigan, were brought in to assist with recovery, highlighting the scale of the damage.
In Newberry County, where Newberry Electric serves a large portion of the community, the storm effects were notably severe, with total outages reported and “not a meter spinning” during the storm’s trajectory. Over 73% of Newberry County remained without power for days post-storm, reflecting the extensive damage and infrastructure challenges that were faced. More than 100 broken utility poles were reported in the area alone, further complicating restoration efforts. Wind gusts reached between 50 to 70 mph across the state, while rainfall accumulations just before the storm reached as high as 15 inches in some areas, exacerbating the flooding and damage risks.
In addition to the utility challenges, at least 19 fatalities related to Hurricane Helene were reported by Governor Henry McMaster, underscoring the storm’s lethal impact on communities. Following the storm, shelters were opened in multiple counties to accommodate residents displaced due to severe weather conditions and property damage.
Post-Hurricane Helene, utilities have begun utilizing social media platforms to communicate restoration efforts and provide updates to customers, a practice that has proven essential for real-time information dissemination. These communication tools are expected to be integral in future storm preparations. Additionally, when planning for future storms, utilities are also considering the logistics surrounding feeding and lodging linemen working long hours without power—a logistical challenge during Helene’s recovery that required booking accommodations in short-term rentals and contracting local caterers.
As they move forward, utilities across South Carolina are committed to evolving their preparedness tactics and drawing from the lessons learned during the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Helene. The ongoing changes aim to enhance the resilience of infrastructure and improve outcomes for both utility workers and the communities they serve as they face future weather-related challenges.
Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness
Hurricane Helene has prompted significant reevaluations of emergency strategies among South Carolina utilities. The collaborative recovery efforts and communication strategies developed in the wake of this storm will aid in upholding service during future weather emergencies. Continuous analysis of the storm’s impact is expected to guide future enhancements to utility infrastructure and emergency response protocols.
Significant Data from Hurricane Helene
- Power outages experienced: Over a million homes and businesses
- Peak outages in Newberry County: 73% without power days after the storm
- Damaged infrastructure: Over 100 broken poles reported
- Wind gusts: Ranged from 50 to 70 mph
- Rainfall totals: Up to 15 inches in certain areas
- Fatalities reported: At least 19 related to the storm
Conclusion
The impacts of Hurricane Helene continue to resonate as utilities prepare for the future, cementing their commitment to improved communication, logistical strategies, and operational readiness. These lessons will prove invaluable as the state braces for subsequent storm seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the power loss statistics due to Hurricane Helene?
More than a million homes and businesses in South Carolina lost power due to the storm.
How much of Newberry County was without power after Hurricane Helene?
Approximately 73% of Newberry County was still without power days after the storm.
What kind of infrastructure damage occurred due to the hurricane?
Helene caused extensive infrastructure damage, with over 100 broken poles reported by Newberry Electric.
What was the extent of wind gusts during Hurricane Helene?
Significant wind gusts ranged from 50 to 70 mph across the state during the storm.
How did the storm compare to previous hurricanes?
Helene’s effect was compared to that of Hurricane Hugo in 1989 due to the severity of the damage and outages.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Regions Utilities Reflect on Lessons from Hurricane Helene
- Wikipedia: Hurricane Helene
- Santee Cooper: Sustainability Report on Hurricane Helene
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene South Carolina 2024
- Cola Daily: Midlands Electric Co-ops Prepare for Hurricane Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Helene
- WLTX: Utility Companies Restore Power After Helene
- Google News: Hurricane Helene
- WYFF: South Carolina Power Outage Updates After Helene
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
