Emergency Managers Monitor Tropical Storm Hermine

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September 2, 2016

Columbia, SC – September 2, 2016, 5:15 p.m. - The strong winds and continued rainfall across the majority of the state have resulted in numerous closures and delays.  The South Carolina Emergency Operations Center will continue to provide response assistance until Hermine or its effects are no longer a threat to South Carolina.

As of 5:15 p.m., Friday, September 2, 2016:

  • According to County Emergency Managers, more than twenty-one counties report they are actively monitoring the storm or engaged in response activities.
  • More than 44,000 power outages have been reported statewide.
  • SCEMD has made one delivery of 1000 sandbags to Darlington County Emergency Management at the County’s request. 
  • State and county government offices in 17 counties have either closed or dismissed staff early in anticipation of the storm.
  • The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control issued a message asking that owners monitor their dams and lower water levels accordingly.
  • Currently two shelters are open in Williamsburg County and sixteen are on standby across the state ready to be open should they be needed. The standby shelters are being run by the Community Emergency Response Team and provide a safe place to stay with blankets, cots and other services for individuals who have been displaced by the storm.  Currently, no one has used these shelters but they are available should the need arise.
  • Citizens should be aware of potential flash flooding.  If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move to higher ground.  Do not wait to be told to move. 
  • Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall.  If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving.  Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you. 
  • Do not drive into flooded areas.  Do not drive around barricades posted at or near flooded streets.  If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can move safely.  You and the vehicle could be quickly swept away.  One foot of water can cause your car to float off the roadway.
  • Don’t enter a basement or any room if water covers electrical outlets or if cords are submerged.  If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises – get out!  Stay out of water that may have electrical currents in it!
 
 
COLUMBIA, S.C. (August 31, 2016) – The South Carolina Emergency Management Division is monitoring Tropical Storm Hermine, which forecasters expect to strengthen.  As a result of the storm’s projected movement up the east coast, key local and state agencies have been notified to be ready to respond if the need arises.

South Carolina residents and visitors in potentially vulnerable areas should review their plans and consider actions they would need to take if the storm threatens the state. Everyone should monitor the storm via local news media and follow updates from the National Hurricane Center, especially people in low-lying areas along the South Carolina coast.

“We’re watching Tropical Storm Hermine very closely. There’s still a lot of uncertainty in the forecasts,” SCEMD Director Kim Stenson said “If it looks like this storm is going to affect South Carolina we want everyone to be ready. Now would be the time to review your emergency plans just in case.”

A dangerous by-product of a storm can be heavy flooding, as was the case last year in South Carolina.  Although the current storm is not expected to cause flooding as extensive as last year’s, any flood waters can be extremely dangerous and destructive.  Never walk or drive through flood waters. Remember that floods can disrupt electricity and the drinking water supply. Flood waters can also carry hazardous materials that can endanger health, either upon contact with the water itself or with the soggy debris left after the flood waters recede.

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division will continue to monitor the tropical storm 24-hours-a-day.  Should conditions merit further action, the State Emergency Operations Center near Columbia can be staffed and operational in a short time.

The official 2016 S.C. Hurricane Guide is available at all South Carolina Welcome Centers, at Walgreen's stores statewide and for download via SCEMD’s website at scemd.org. Follow the Division's social feeds for @SCEMD content posted in your newsfeeds: facebook.com/SCEMD, twitter.com/SCEMD and others.