Columbia Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Flooding
Columbia, S.C. – The state of South Carolina is in a state of emergency due to severe flooding impacting the eastern Midlands and parts of the Lowcountry. Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2024-33 to enhance the state’s response capabilities, acknowledging a growing crisis.
When and Why the Emergency Was Declared
On November 6, a stalled weather front began interacting with deep tropical moisture, leading to significant rainfall across the southeastern United States. This weather pattern has caused sustained rainfall in South Carolina, resulting in a dire situation for residents.
Extent of Flooding
The National Weather Service has reported widespread rainfall amounts between seven and ten inches in the eastern Midlands, with localized areas facing up to fifteen inches. Such heavy rainfall has drastically increased the risk of flooding, most notably along the Edisto River, where river flooding is expected to persist for several days.
Governor’s Statement
In his announcement, Governor McMaster stated, “Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day.” He emphasized that the state of emergency would provide response teams with necessary resources during this challenging time.
Public Safety Advisory
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
As the state continues to monitor the flooding situation closely, all local emergency services and community organizations are activated to provide assistance and support. Shelters and relief efforts are being coordinated for those displaced by the flooding.
Future Forecasts
The forecast indicates that the adverse conditions might continue, resulting in further potential flooding scenarios. Authorities urge residents to stay informed through weather alerts and local updates regarding road closures and safety procedures.
Conclusion
As South Carolina strives to combat the effects of this unprecedented weather event, the community is reminded of the importance of safety and preparedness. The declaration of a state of emergency is a crucial step in ensuring resources are available and effective measures are taken to mitigate damage and assist those in need.
For the latest updates on the flooding situation and related safety information, residents are encouraged to stay connected to their local news sources and community updates.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
