FOREST ACRES, S.C. — Two months after Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in the Midlands, neighborhoods are still in the process of cleaning up. Local leaders and residents in Forest Acres are continuing their efforts to recover from the storm, which left widespread destruction in its wake.
Lynnsey Baker, the Public Information Officer for the City of Forest Acres, described the scope of the storm's impact on the area.
"Helene was a significant weather event in the city of Forest Acres. We had more than 200 trees fall. We have not seen anything like that in recent memory. We're talking large pines and hardwood that had been with us for generations. All wiped out—more than 200 fell across the city alone," said Baker.
The downed trees caused extensive damage to homes and properties, leaving many residents struggling to clean up the debris. Baker explained the city’s efforts to assist with the cleanup, but emphasized the scale of the challenge.
"So October of last year, we picked up about 293 tons of yard debris. Just its leaf season, right? Leaves, your limbs," said Baker. "Well, this October, because of the storm, we went from 293 tons to nearly 750 tons. That is a 152% increase. And we're not even done digging our way out of this debris. So really asking for patience from our residents."
Baker further clarified that Forest Acres residents are responsible for clearing and removing trees from their properties, even if the trees have already been cut into smaller pieces.
"We’ve had two pieces of machinery break in this cleanup process already because it's so much by volume—a 152% increase. So much more than our machines are used to handling.," said Baker. "So if you have large debris on your property, you need to hire a tree removal company. Even if you cut those logs up yourself. If you’re talking a large tree log, you, as the private citizen, of that fell in your yard, you need to hire a removal company. We are able to come along and collect your debris."
In the meantime, the Forest Acres community continues to face the long road to recovery, but many residents remain patient and understanding of the situation.
As a reminder, Forest Acres Police have announced that FEMA representatives are still in the area, visiting homes impacted by the storm.