Hurricane Helene has left over 620,000 customers in Georgia without power as restoration efforts continue. With 14,000 crew members working onsite, power is expected to be restored in various regions by the weekend. The storm has caused at least 61 deaths and damage estimates between $15 billion and $26 billion across the southeastern U.S.
Thousands in Georgia are still experiencing power outages as recovery efforts progress following Hurricane Helene’s destructive impact across the southeastern United States. As of 6:45 p.m. Eastern Time, PowerOutage.US reported that approximately 620,313 customers in Georgia remain without electricity, positioning the state as having the second highest number of outages attributed to the storm. To compare, South Carolina has about 818,153 customers affected, while North Carolina sees around 491,165 without power. Altogether, nearly 2.5 million residences and businesses across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia are experiencing outages after the storm’s passage. Approximately 14,000 crew members are diligently engaged in efforts to restore power across Georgia, as confirmed by Georgia Power via social media. “We are continuing to work around the clock to restore power for our customers quickly and safely,” was stated by Georgia Power. Restoration activities follow reports of further potential damages and outages due to compromised soil and weakened trees resulting from the storm’s heavy rains. In particular, the Valdosta area, situated about 73 miles northeast of Tallahassee, is significantly impacted, with around 31,275 customers affected by 180 outages. Restoration is projected to be completed by Saturday, October 5. Conversely, the Atlanta area is managing 54 outages affecting 418 customers; currently, Georgia Power is evaluating the estimated time for restoration. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 4 hurricane before being downgraded to a tropical depression as it moved through the southeast. Tragically, at least 61 fatalities have been reported across the five states affected by the storm as per the Weather Channel. In addition to the human toll, the storm caused severe flooding across multiple states, leading to an estimated total in property damage ranging from $15 billion to $26 billion, predominantly affecting Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Hurricane Helene roared through the southeastern United States, causing substantial devastation and extensive power outages. The hurricane, which triggered emergency responses and extensive recovery efforts, has left millions of residents without electricity. Various state power companies are engaged in determining restoration timelines while ensuring safety amid concerns of further hazards from damaged infrastructures. The impact of Helene underscores the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and the importance of robust emergency preparedness and response systems.
In summary, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has resulted in significant power outages across Georgia and neighboring states, affecting millions. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with thousands of utility workers on the ground to expedite the restoration of services. The storm’s catastrophic impact serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for adequate preparation and resilience against severe weather phenomena.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
