Georgia and South Carolina are bracing for the impact of a major hurricane. Power companies have made final preparations for anticipated damages, including the potential for widespread power outages.
With a forecast of flooding and high winds from Hurricane Helene, the storm could still be a Category 1 when it reaches the CSRA, according to WDRW Chief Meteorologist, Riley Hale.
“Our area is on the east side of the storm, it’s the bad side. High winds could reach 60 mph or more. We’ve already had 4” at Daniel Field and we have the potential for 2 to 4 more inches of rain for flash flooding,” said Hale.
Hurricane Helene has prompted Georgia Power to put more than 10,000 workers on the ground, some from neighboring states to help ensure a safe and effective response.
Hurricane impacts even as far in as Augusta and Aiken while rare pose a threat for residents and for businesses, some bad and some good. For example, Generac in Trenton, SC, is ready for the challenge.
“When a storm causes a power outage or the power grid fails, home standby generators help families stay comfortable and safe,” explained Steve Andrejack, Senior Director of Operations for Generac’s Trenton facility.
The demand for generators resulted in a 200,000-square-foot expansion to the manufacturing and distribution facility two years ago.
For small businesses like La Vita Bella in Aiken specializing in catering and take-out menus, the storm is a different story.
“Friday orders are less than half of what is normal for our business and we have no catering business for today. But we won’t take a big hit because we buy for what we anticipate.” Explained owner, Angela Dragano.
If you are an Augustan or have lived in the CSRA long enough, you know that weather can have a huge financial impact. The first example that comes to mind, is the flooding of October 1990, when more than a foot of rain fell in two days, including 8 inches in 8 hours. That catastrophe resulted in more than $40 million in commercial and residential damage. It also washed out Amen Corner at Augusta National.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
