Tropical Storm Helene Aftermath: Spartanburg Still on the Path to Recovery
It’s been one month since Tropical Storm Helene swept through Spartanburg, and evidence of her forceful visit is still unmistakably present in every corner of the city. Downed trees and telecommunication lines are scattered across our sidewalks and neighborhoods. The storm leftovers amount to more than 23,500 cubic yards— that’s about 5,000 tons— of debris. While cleanup efforts have removed a significant portion of that, it’s clear there’s a long way to go. Christopher George, the city Communications Manager, describes the widespread devastation left behind by Helene. “There’s not really any area that wasn’t hit, or especially hit worse than the others,” said George.
City Efforts in Full Swing
Following the storm, the city received nearly 400 calls regarding fallen trees. Efforts were primarily centered on Duncan Park and Converse Heights, where the volume of debris was probably the heaviest. The first month after the storm saw city workers laboring to clear access paths to neighborhoods, collaborating with Duke Energy to restore power, repairing traffic lights and initiating the debris removal process. Now, a month later, the focus remains on dealing with the leftover debris and learning from the initial responses to the aftermath. George adds, “This incident will certainly impact all of our planning efforts for these kinds of things moving forward.”
Debris Clean-Up and Restoration Services
City residents still face some common issues in the aftermath of the storm, particularly the lack of internet, cable, and home telephone services. A considerable number of people, especially in the South Converse neighborhood, are still struggling with connectivity. Spectrum, a major service provider in the area, has given a tentative restoration deadline of Oct. 25. For the debris cleanup, George says that the city should have a clear estimate in the next few weeks. “We have contractors we’ve engaged to enhance our effort,” said George.
Crews are working around the clock and the costs will be reimbursed by FEMA. Despite some delays, residents are reminded to keep their spirits high. “Don’t think we’re not coming back. We are coming back,” assured George. Debris needs to be kept away from fire hydrants, mailboxes, and storm grates to ensure public safety.
Halloween Safety Measures Step Up
Another important focus for the city is assuring safety for trick-or-treaters this Halloween. Trick-or-treating hotspots like Converse Heights and Hampton Heights have also seen significant damage from the storm. Some sidewalks are still blocked, forcing families to potentially walk in the street while trick-or-treating. This year, the city is partnering with neighborhood associations for some additional safety precautions.
Converse Heights has been declared as an official special event location, with various streets being closed for the celebrations from 5 to 8 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring flashlights and wear or carry reflective items for better visibility. Despite the aftermath of the storm, Halloween is still promising to be a bright occasion for Spartanburg.
