Storms Cause Power Outages Amid Heatwave

For the second night in a row, thunderstorms battered Westminster, toppling trees and leaving many Oconee County residents without power. Blue Ridge Electric crews were close to restoring power to all customers on Saturday evening, when another storm hit. They worked overnight to repair the damage and reconnect the customers. Meanwhile, some customers in Pickens County were also facing power outages amid a heat wave. The City of Pickens, The Red Cross, and Pickens E.M.A. opened a Cooling Center with air conditioning, seating areas, and water stations for the public. The Cooling Center is at 406 E. Main St, Pickens. City officials urged residents, especially vulnerable people such as the elderly, children, and those with health problems, to use the Cooling Center during the hottest hours of the day.