Plus, help replenish the blood supply by donating platelets and blood.
 
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Today’s Forecast

82º | 10% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:19 a.m. | Sunset 7:07 p.m.
Full Weather Report | Traffic Report
 

How Helene impacted SC

Helene’s impact on SC and disaster relief resources
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Since last Thursday, river levels in the Midlands have continued to rise but river levels are expected to lower by the end of the week. | Photo by COLAtoday team
Due to Helene’s impact on our state, Governor Henry McMaster asked for federal assistance through an expedited FEMA disaster declaration to help people impacted by the storm. Yesterday morning, Gov. Henry McMaster announced the approval for the assistance, releasing federal aid and local recovery efforts for counties across the state.

In yesterday afternoon’s briefing, energy officials shared they hope everyone will have power back by Friday at the latest in the Midlands.

Individual assistance

So far, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved Individual Assistance programs for several counties which provide financial assistance for those who incurred uninsured damages to their property. This program also includes business owners as well. Register online or use the FEMA App to apply for assistance.

Public assistance

FEMA also approved Public Assistance for several counties which will aid in debris removal. States + affected local governments can apply for federal funding to pay 75 percent of approved costs.
    The declaration included + approved Hazard Mitigation Grant program assistance, which allows state agencies, local governments, and certain nonprofit organizations to apply for various projects to help mitigate future natural disaster risks using cost-shared funding.

    Local resources

    • Watch Gov. Henry McMaster’s media briefing, sharing updates on the state’s response to Helene.
    • Watch the Columbia official’s media briefing, providing local updates about the impacts of Helene.
    • South Carolina emergency officials also launched a hotline for you to get your questions answered about the aftermath of Helene. Call 1-866-246-0133 with questions.
    • Continue to report outages to Dominion Energy + Duke Energy, and check this frequently updated power outage map.
    • The City of Columbia encourages folks to call 803-545-3300 for non-emergency calls or to report fallen trees.
    Click the button below to find a list of approved counties for disaster relief assistance + read about Helene’s impact by the numbers.
    More Helene info
    Asked

    How have you seen neighbors helping neighbors in action?
    We have heard and personally experienced communal support from neighbors, local businesses, and friends over the weekend — see City Editor Sam’s story in today’s wrap. We want to hear about + share more stories like these from our Cola community, so share yours below.
    Share your story with us
     
    Events
    Tuesday, Oct. 1
    • “People, Places and Things” | Tuesday, Oct. 1-Saturday, Oct. 12 | Trustus Theatre | $30 | “People, Places and Things” is an exhilarating new play about surviving in the modern world.
    Wednesday, Oct. 2
    Thursday, Oct. 3
    • Plant n Pour Painting with a Purpose | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6-8 p.m. | Riverbanks Botanical Garden, West Columbia | $45 | Experience the beauty of the Botanical Garden at night as you test your creative skills through a unique paint-n-pour event.
    • First Thursday on Main | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6:30-10 p.m. | Boyd Plaza | Free | Local acts Numbtongue, Jeff Gregory and the Runout, and DJ Prince Ice will headline the plaza stage.
    Friday, Oct. 4
    • Great American Whiskey Fair | Friday, Oct. 4 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | 701 Whaley | $90+ | This evening is dedicated to celebrating America’s indigenous spirit and its rich cultural heritage.
    100+ calendar events
    Click here to have your event featured.
    Soiree on State (City of Cayce)
     
    News Notes
    Edu
    • Local school districts shared updates on how they will proceed with school for today and this week. Lexington District 1 + Richland District 1 will be closed today while Lexington-Richland School District 5 will have an e-learning day. (WLTX)
    Try This
    • The Blood Connection announced that its blood products inventory is at a critical level. Help replenish the blood supply by donating platelets and blood. Donation centers have extended hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday this week.
    Community
    • Richland Library encourages residents to visit one of its 12 open locations for reliable WFi + ample charging stations for electronic devices. If your children or students need resources, the branches have dedicated spaces with age-specific digital learning resources.
    Sports
    • Carolina Panthers fall short, 34-24, against the previously winless Cincinnati Bengals. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Feel Good
    • Speaking of neighbors helping neighbors — the City of Forest Acres shared the Grillo family, the owners of Boca Grande Burritos, fed officers + city staff. What other local businesses have you seen go above and beyond? Let us know.
    Eat
    Finance
    • Which card now features 0% APR Into 2026? This card. (ICYMI, experts say balance transfer cards are one of the best-kept secrets for managing credit card debt.)*
    YMCA of Columbia
     
    The Buy

    The Buy 10.01.24 (Affiliate)
    A MagSafe Kate Spade wallet that conveniently attaches to the back of your phone. It boasts Kate Spade’s signature elegant design + can hold up to three cards and cash.
    More worth The Buy
    Steel Hands Brewing
     
    The Wrap
     
    Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

    Today’s edition by:
    Sam
    From the editor
    My neighbors helping neighbors story — I was thankful for the kindness and willingness of friends, family, and strangers to share resources, a place to stay, generators, fans... etc. over the weekend. When our power was restored late Sunday evening, we had a few folks over to sit in AC. A friend and neighbor brought over cans of tomato soup, bread, cheese, and butter and made us all a comfort meal in my kitchen so we didn’t have to think about dinner or groceries. We could all simply sit on a couch for the first time all weekend with a lamp on. Small acts of kindness go a long way.
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