Statewide Response Continuing As Flooding Persists

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October 4, 2015

Significant rainfall across South Carolina throughout the weekend has resulted in numerous road closures and delays caused by fast–moving floodwaters. The South Carolina Emergency Operations Center is fully activated at Operating Condition 1 by state agencies of the State Emergency Response Team for the duration of the incident.
 

As of 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2015:
  • Fifteen counties remain fully activated at Operating Condition One.
  • Ten counties or municipalities have declared States of Emergency.
  • Eight counties or municipalities have imposed overnight curfews.
  • Five weather-related deaths have been reported. Three were reported by the S.C. Highway Patrol, two from Richland County Sheriff’s Department.
  • Numerous roads have been closed due to flooding conditions.
  • The S.C. Highway Patrol has 255 troopers on duty with others on standby.
  • The S.C. Law Enforcement Division has 320 agents on active or standby duty.
  • Some 30,000 sandbags have been used by the S.C. Department of Transportation and local public safety agencies.
  • S.C. Highway Patrol reports Interstate 95 between I-20 in Florence County and I-26 in Orangeburg County has been closed. Interstate traffic in that affected area is being rerouted.
  • S.C. Highway Patrol reports that today from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. there were reports of 315 collisions, 239 calls for assistance, 273 reports of trees on the road and 318 reports of roadway flooding
  • Eight swift water rescue teams are operating with more teams arriving from other states.
  • School districts in 19 counties are closed or operating on a delayed schedule Monday.
  • The S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control warns of the dangers associated with rising floodwaters, including drowning, bacterial and viral infection from sewage overflows.
  • Public Information Phone System continues to handle inquiries from the public. The number to call is 1-866-246-0133.
  • 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. Monitor local media and trusted websites for updated conditions, advisories and instructions.
  • If you have to leave your home, prepare your home for floodwater by moving essential items to an upper floor or shelves, disconnect electrical appliances and turn off the gas, electricity and water.
  • 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 do so safely. You and the vehicle could be quickly swept away. One foot of water can cause your car to float off the roadway.
  • Be aware of electricity issues. Don't go into a basement, or any room, if water covers the 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 electricity in it!