Talk of the Town: Spartanburg in the Wake of Tropical Storm Helene
This past weekend, the city of Spartanburg was put to the test when Tropical Storm Helene swung past our fair city, leaving destruction in its wake. Streets were littered with leaves and tree limbs, evidence of Helene’s uninvited visit on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
A Glimpse of the Destruction
In the day following Helene’s wrath, our community succumbed to a unanimous sense of shock and awe at the extent of damage. The havoc ranged from simple inconveniences like long queues for gas, to more dire situations such as restaurants battling to reopen, to the truly tragic – six fatalities in Spartanburg County. This figure contributed to the highest death toll among 22 reported statewide. In this instance, Helene has proven itself to be a storm not to be underestimated.
Unfortunate Losses
Among the casualties were two residents of Chesnee and a victim of carbon monoxide poisoning from generator misuse. Another individual perished when a tree crashed into their camper. Yet another was found submerged in floodwater at the intersection of Highway 14 and Earles Fort Road in Landrum, while a female resident of Inman lost her life inside her own home, another victim of a felled tree.
The Aftermath and Recovery Efforts
Despite the loss, the true spirit of Spartanburg began to shine through on the morning of Sept. 28. Queues formed at the gas stations and fast food joints that remained open. The city was in shock at the sheer extent of the damage. Officials announced that power restoration could take several days, some estimates expecting a majority of the city to be in darkness for a longer period.
Working through these times, is when the Spartanburg grit truly comes through. Residents like Eric Sprouse shared their experiences. Sprouse found himself stuck in traffic for nearly two hours to refuel, despite a dwindling gas supply and increasing frustration at the lack of traffic control.
The State of Local Businesses
For the local restaurants and businesses in our beloved Hub City, it was indeed a mixed bag. Those with power were faced with unprecedented demand, while those without hoped for timely restoration before their supplies went bad.
Optimism Amidst the Chaos
Despite these trying times, trusted establishments such as Wade’s Restaurant, continued to serve the community. And business owners like John Bauknight, of Rockers Brewing Co., echoed the sentiments of our collective hope by saying, “We really need power and internet to function. It’s one of those 100-year storms. It’s kind of crazy. It’s hard to prepare for.”
Despite the hardships, there remains an undying sense of optimism and a firm belief that our city can bounce back. As Allen Smith, CEO of OneSpartanburg optimistically said, “I’m buoyed by the fact that this is an incredibly resilient community. We respond and come back stronger than ever.”
A Note of Resilience
While the memories of the storm’s destruction are still fresh, the city looks ahead to a bright and sunny day with a forecasted high of 86F. A slight chance of a rain shower persists with a low around 70F, as Spartanburg continues its path to recovery.
Remember, Spartanburg, we are resilient. We always find a way to brighten any cloudy day. As we rebuild, we do so together, stronger and united – the Spartanburg way!
