What impact does Hurricane Helene have on the Midlands?

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Tropical Storm Helene has caused significant problems in the South Carolina Midlands, including power outages, destroyed roads and impassable roads.

News19 has received numerous reports of fallen trees on homes, cars and in the middle of the road. Many authorities have asked people to stay off the streets if necessary.

All of these fallen trees have resulted in significant power outages, with over 1.3 million trees reported nationwide. News19 will post updates on conditions, including road closures, below.

The Irmo Fire District posted on Facebook: “We have dozens of downed trees blocking roads, trees encroaching on homes, downed lines, fires and the usual medical assistance. We don't have enough resources at the moment to clear the streets or remove all the power.” Lines down. The power is out, the street lights are out, there is chaos.

Many people who have left their homes have been involved in car accidents that also block roads. Leaving your home puts you in danger. Not allowed, WILL.

Shelter in place until the worst of the storm passes and we can catch up with upcoming emergencies.”

Newberry County Emergency Management issues a Shelter In Place Alert. “There is danger when traveling. You endanger yourself and the emergency services. Flying debris, high wings, flooded streets. This is a dangerous situation. Stay in place. During power outages, do not call 911. We have no tornado warnings, but strong winds and rain.” “The hurricane is causing life-threatening situations”

In Camden, police say Gordon Street is closed between Laurens and Chestnut streets because a power line was down and a tree was blocking the road.

Lexington Police are reporting the following roads blocked by either downed trees or downed power lines:

• Maxie Road near Old Chapin Road
• 200 block of Cedar Road
• Taylor Drive near East Main Street – reopened
• 300 block of Pilgrim Church Road – Reopened
• Hendrix Street near Barr Road
• 700 block of Mallard Lakes Drive – one lane open
• 200 block of Corley Street
• 600 block of Corley Street
• Tarrar Springs Road at Athena Lane
• Several areas of Mineral Springs Road
• 5700 block of Sunset Blvd/US-378
• 4801 Sunset Blvd/VLMHP entrance
• South Church Street at Roberts Street
• Satcher Road at Pond View Lane
• Several streets in Golden Hills
• Wildlife Road at Quin Oak

Report fallen trees across the roadway in the City of Lexington by calling 803-359-6260.

While News19 meteorologists expect the worst of Hurricane Helene to leave the Midlands late Friday morning, there are still some aftereffects left by Helene's overnight passage through the state. Here's a snapshot of what's going on.

Poweroutage.us tracks power outages across South Carolina. As of 7:15 a.m., there were 78,799 customer outages in Richland County; 85,982 in Lexington; 9,265 in Sumter; 10,001 in Newberry; and 11,425 in Orangeburg

• Forest Acres Police Department (FAPD) is reporting a power outage along Forest Drive to Trenholm Road impacting businesses in the area, including Trenholm Plaza
• Piney Grove at I-26/Bower Parkway

FAPD reports crews are working to remove a large tree on Trenholm Road at Whitaker Drive. Additionally, there are 14 other roads blocked by trees in Forest Acres, including:

• Linbrook
• Gamewell
• Percival at Overcreek
• Percival at Northshore
• Rockbridge
• Trenholm and Churchill
• Laurel Springs
• Spring lake
• Landers Street
• Crystal Drive
• Sylvan and Daniel
• Bethel Church Street
• Storkland Drive

Lakeshore Road is also considered impassable in Forest Acres and Forest Drive remains closed at the Gills Creek bridge

A tree was reported on the other side of Broad River Road near SLED headquarters. The tree is said to have fallen on power lines.

Tree falls on Community Road in Blythewood, between Blythewood Road and Northpoint Boulevard

Companies and authorities are affected

SC Oncology's offices in Columbia and Sumter are closed due to a power outage

ALL Cooperative Health offices are closed

ALL Lexington Medical Center doctor's offices are on a delay, with the first patients being seen at 10 a.m

Lexington County municipal offices are running a two-hour delay and are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. The administrative offices are currently without power.

Lexington County collection and recycling centers are open Friday from 1 to 7 p.m. and return to regular hours on Saturday