COLUMBIA, S.C. — At least six people died in South Carolina as Hurricane Helene tore through the western part of the state early Friday.

Four people died overnight in Aiken County, said Coroner Darryl Ables who planned to release more details later.

In Anderson County, the coroner’s office said two people were killed when trees fell on houses.

The storm brought wind gusts to near hurricane force across much of the state west of Columbia. At the storm’s peak, power was out for 45% of the 2.9 million homes and businesses in the state.

Nearly everyone was without power right after the storm passed through in several counties, including Greenville and Spartanburg where more than 900,000 people live.

Utilities companies urged patience, saying it could take a few days to restore power.

In the meantime, the South Carolina Department of Health has extended its public information care line beginning today. Care Line representatives will be available to answer questions about any DPH public health department services that are interrupted due to Hurricane Helene and provide other storm-related information. 

The Care Line number is 1-855-472-3432 and will be open for calls 24 hours a day beginning Friday, Sept 27, until 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30. 

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division has also opened emergency shelters for anyone in need of evacuating their homes. A list of open locations can be found here.