Following Hurricane Helene, Georgia is experiencing significant power outages with over 620,000 customers affected. Restoration efforts involving 14,000 crew members are currently underway. The storm has resulted in multiple fatalities and extensive property damage across several states.
Georgia continues to grapple with significant power outages in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has left extensive damage across the southeastern United States. As of 6:45 PM ET, approximately 620,313 customers in Georgia remain without electricity, making it the state with the second highest number of outages attributed to the storm, following South Carolina where 818,153 customers are affected. Overall, nearly 2.5 million homes and businesses across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia are presently experiencing power interruptions due to the storm’s devastating impact. A total of around 14,000 utility crew members are actively engaged in restoration efforts throughout Georgia, as confirmed by a public update from Georgia Power. “We are continuing to work around the clock to restore power for our customers quickly and safely,” stated the utility company. Despite these efforts, ongoing assessments indicate that there remains a potential for additional damage and outages caused by saturated ground conditions and weakened trees. Particularly in the Valdosta region, located approximately 73 miles northeast of Tallahassee, 31,275 customers are impacted by 180 individual outages, with power restoration projected for Saturday, October 5th. The Atlanta area is witnessing 54 outages affecting 418 customers, while restoration timelines continue to be evaluated. Hurricane Helene originally impacted Florida’s Big Bend as a Category 4 hurricane before diminishing into a tropical depression as it traversed through the southeastern states. Tragically, at least 61 fatalities have been reported across five states. The storm has precipitated historic flooding and inflicted substantial property damage, estimated to range from $15 to $26 billion, primarily affecting Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
Hurricane Helene was a significant weather event that struck the southeastern United States, causing extensive damage and prompting major power outages in several states. The hurricane originally made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm. Its aftermath has led to a widespread need for restoration of utilities, particularly electricity, as millions remain affected. The scale of the storm’s destruction is vast, with reports of fatalities and considerable economic losses, emphasizing the overall devastation across the region.
In conclusion, Hurricane Helene has severely impacted Georgia and surrounding states, resulting in extensive power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of customers. Restoration efforts are underway, yet challenges persist due to the storm’s lingering effects. The loss of life and vast property damage further underscore the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
