Upstate wakes to closed roads, power outages after Jeanne roars through

A tree blocked two lanes of traffic on a section of Wade Hampton Boulevard near Reid School Road about 7 a.m., causing a backup for commuters. Patrick Collard / STAFF e-mail this story More details WHERE TO CALL To report a power outage, call 1-800-POWER-ON. Spanish-speaking customers call 1-866-427-2466. ON THE NET Go to www.scdot.org to check for road closings. Related Related stories: • High waters race across Greenville Online extra • The latest forecast Related Web site • DOT road closing information

A flash flood warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. today.

This morning, 2,300 people were without power in South Carolina, 1,200 in the Greenville area, according to a Duke Power spokesman. Overnight, about 21,100 power outages occurred, but crews worked through the night to restore power.

There is a messy commute in store for folks this morning.

Road closures overnight included Harrison Bridge Road from Interstate 385 to Grandview Drive; Lake Fairfield Road from Edward Road to Wade Hampton Boulevard; Rocking Creek from Walking Stick Way to the bridge; Suber Road from Batesville Road to Hammett Road; Hopkins Road from Hunter Lane to the bridge; Crestwood Road from Poinsett Highway to Hilldale Drive.

Commuters are negotiating two lanes closed this morning on Wade Hampton Boulevard near Reid School Road from a downed tree as they travel from Greer going toward Taylors.

Suber, Garlington, Boiling Springs and Hudson roads were closed around midnight because of high water but have been reopened, according to Lt. Ricky Jackson of the Boiling Springs Fire Department.

To check for road closings, go to www.scdot.org.

Lance Cpl Dan Marsceau of the state Highway Patrol said, "People should be cautious of low-lying areas. Definitely do not drive through water on a roadway. Be alert for low-hanging trees or power lines."

National Weather Service meteorologist Terry Benthall said rainfall at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport measured 4 inches. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 5 inches across the Upstate, he said.

Wind gusted up to 33 miles per hour at the airport overnight, Benthall said.

Jeanne should move out of the area today. Rainfall will taper off, and there should be sunshine by this afternoon, Benthall said.

Nan Lundeen can be reached at 298-4316.