News Summary
Greenwood Christian School has cancelled its first day of classes due to a large tree collapse that caused a significant power outage. The tree fell onto a power line along Woodlawn Road following a severe thunderstorm. Emergency crews are working to clear the debris and restore power, but classes will be suspended until further notice. The school’s head confirmed that no injuries were reported and promised updates regarding the reopening.
Greenwood, South Carolina — First Day of School Cancelled Due to Tree Collapse and Power Outage
Greenwood Christian School in Greenwood County announced the cancellation of its first day of classes scheduled for Wednesday, August 14, 2025. The decision was made after a large tree fell onto a power line along Woodlawn Road, causing a significant power outage that impacted the school and surrounding neighborhoods.
Incident Details and Immediate Impact
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when a massive tree uprooted during a severe thunderstorm that swept through Greenwood County on Monday evening. The storm delivered heavy rain and strong winds, which led to the uprooting of the tree along Cambridge Avenue, one of the major thoroughfares in the area.
The fallen tree blocked the road and caused damage to nearby power lines. At the intersection of Grace Street and Cambridge Avenue, power lines were brought down, resulting in widespread power outages across parts of Greenwood. The disruption rendered the school unable to operate, as it lacked both electricity and internet connectivity necessary for classes.
Response and Safety Measures
Emergency crews from the Greenwood Fire Department were dispatched to the scene to clear the debris and repair the downed power lines. As of the latest updates, there is no confirmed estimate for when the road and power lines will be restored, and the intersection remains closed until further notice for safety reasons.
School Closure Statement and Communication
Chris John, the head of Greenwood Christian School, posted on the school’s Facebook page to inform families about the cancellation. The message assured that no injuries were reported from the incident and confirmed that the school would not hold classes that day. The school also promised to provide updates as soon as possible regarding reopening plans and any further developments.
Additional Context: Storm and Damage in Greenwood
The severe thunderstorm that caused the tree to fall was part of a broader weather system that affected Greenwood County early in the week. The storm brought extensive rainfall and gusty winds, which contributed to various power outages and property damage throughout the region.
This event highlights the dangers posed by severe weather, especially in areas where mature trees are present near roads and power lines. Authorities continue to assess the damage and work on restoring normalcy to the affected neighborhoods and institutions.
Future Outlook
Residents and school officials are advised to stay informed through official communication channels for updates on road reopenings and power restoration. Restoration efforts are ongoing, and further safety inspections are expected before regular activities can resume in the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
- Index Journal
- Google Search: severe thunderstorm Greenwood
- Fox Baltimore
- Google Scholar: storm damage Greenwood
- Fox Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: storm impacts
- The State
- Google News: Greenwood storm
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
