News Summary

Aiken, South Carolina experienced significant power outages affecting over 100 customers due to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The outages primarily hit Vaucluse Road, with restoration efforts expected to take weeks. The storm has caused widespread damage across the state, leaving nearly half a million customers without power. Utility crews are working around the clock to restore services amid safety concerns in high temperatures. The community is rallying to support those involved in restoration as local businesses face continued closures.

Aiken, SC Sees Power Outages Affecting Over 100 Customers After Tropical Storm Helene

More than 100 customers in Aiken, South Carolina, found themselves without power on Friday morning as a result of the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene. The outages were primarily concentrated on Vaucluse Road, located near the Old Zion Hill Church. According to Dominion Energy’s outage map, power restoration was reported to be completed around 11:15 a.m.

Crews Mobilized for Restoration

In response to the power outage, Vaucluse Road and Morningside Drive were temporarily closed to facilitate the work of utility crews. Currently, there is no available information regarding the specific cause of the power disruption. However, the situation has raised serious concerns in the surrounding area, particularly given the high summer temperatures in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) and the dangers associated with children left in hot vehicles, especially as schools close for the season.

Widespread Effects of Tropical Storm Helene

The impact of Hurricane Helene has resulted in extensive damage across Southern states, with South Carolina being heavily affected. Prior reports indicated that nearly half a million power outages remained unresolved in the state. Edgefield County alone reported 8,875 customers without power as of Wednesday morning, while Aiken County was experiencing outages for approximately 50,300 residents.

In Edgefield, an estimated 300 utility poles suffered damage from the storm, making restoration efforts particularly challenging. Linemen from Aiken Electric Cooperative are currently working extraordinarily long hours, ranging between 16 to 17 hours, to restore services. Adding to the workforce, over 500 contract linemen from other states are assisting in the critical restoration efforts.

Extent of Damage and Restoration Timeline

The extent of the damages caused by Helene includes flooded underground cables, submerged substations, and crushed transformers. Restoration in the hardest-hit areas, such as Edgefield, is expected to take several weeks due to the severity of the destruction. There is a significant public appreciation for the utility workers, many of whom are also facing power outages at their own homes.

Online discussions have emerged regarding whether utility companies had deployed linemen to Florida prior to the storm; however, these companies denied such claims. The process for replacing electrical poles takes approximately three hours, not including the additional logistics involved in restoration efforts.

Cautions and Community Response

As utility crews continue their work, residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel on roads, which may be hazardous due to downed lines and debris. Aiken County officials have established curfews to ensure the safety of both first responders and utility crews engaged in the restoration process.

At the peak of the storm’s impact, South Carolina recorded over 1.4 million power outages, affecting more than 40 percent of the state’s electricity customers. Many local businesses and restaurants remain closed due to the ongoing power issues, highlighting the widespread economic impact of the storm.

Dominion Energy has committed to working around the clock to restore power to affected customers as quickly as possible. As of the latest updates, restoration efforts are ongoing, with the community uniting in support of those working tirelessly to bring power back to their homes.

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Power Outages in Aiken, SC Following Tropical Storm Helene