York County releases statement updating DUKE and York Electric along with York County Emergency Management.
September 29, 2024
YORK COUNTY, SC: Recovery efforts continue this evening. Helene has proven to be the most devastating storm in decades, leaving behind unprecedented damage and losses. Here in York County during the height of the storm on Friday, there were hundreds of reports of trees down. Many downed trees damaged homes and personal property and caused injuries. Power is still out for thousands of York County residents and businesses.
Duke Energy said roughly 9,100 customers are without power in York County Sunday evening as of 6pm. That’s down from more than 24,000 on Friday. Additional help from outside the area has arrived, speeding restoration efforts. Duke expects the majority of York County customers to have power by the end of the day today. However, it will be days before all power systemwide is restored. The utility is urging residents to use caution on roadways, and while cleaning up debris on your own property or helping neighbors.
York Electric Cooperative is also working 24/7 to restore power, and outages are down below 5,000 at this time. The Co-op says in many areas this is not a simple job restoring lost power, but rebuilding the power system. Damage this severe was last seen during Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
“We’re working efficiently to restore power, and today we’ll have more outside help. Thank you to our out-of-state contractor crews and linemen crews from Berkeley Electric Cooperative and Central Alabama Cooperative.” -York Electric Cooperative
York County Emergency Management is focused on recovery efforts, staying in communication during the response, and remaining prepared for any call for assistance from outside the county. Emergency Management reminds citizens that low-lying areas of the county still have some flooding and roadways closed. Please avoid areas where flood waters may be, and the dangers that come along with flood waters.
A website has been set up to take damage reports. York County Public Damage Report (arcgis.com)
The link also allows people to post pictures. Reporting damage will provide Emergency Management with a greater understanding of the impact of the storm.
York County Public Works has been all hands on deck. Crews have cleared more than 50 roads since Friday, and continued working Saturday. In some areas they found dozens of trees down on a single road. On Monday York County Public Works crews will begin a lengthy operation of removing all that debris from roadsides across the county. The county landfill will be open normal operating hours and accepting yard waste/brush.
We anticipate that all York County Collection & Recycling Centers except Sharon/Hickory Grove, will be open on Monday. Those without power will accept household trash only until power is restored. You can find the latest information on our website at Public Works | York, SC (yorkcountygov.com)
We’re grateful to all local agencies, first responders, utility crews, volunteers and others who are coming together to help our residents in the aftermath of this storm.
For further questions, contact York County Emergency Management at 803-326-2300.
