Charleston Curfew Continues as Officials Monitor Tropical Storm Debby
Palmetto Days and Nights under Curfew
Amidst the lingering presence of Tropical Storm Debby, City of Charleston officials announced on Tuesday evening that the curfew, initially instated on Monday night, will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. Mayor William Cogswell stated during a press conference that the primary aim of the curfew is to ensure the safety of Charleston’s residents and its first responders, and not to be an inconvenience or detriment to local businesses.
Additional Measures Taken to Alleviate Flooding
As heavy rainfall continues to inundate Charleston, city officials have added further pumps to tackle the flood waters. Resources from the U.S. National Guard were set to arrive on Tuesday. Despite the grim meteorological predictions, Mayor Cogswell remains hopeful since the expected rainfall is less than initially estimated. Charleston had already grappled with over 11 inches of rain since Monday morning, warranting the stringent curfew and other measures.
City Officials Urge Residents for Cooperation
As the city grapples with the dual challenge of torrential rainfall and enforced curfew, Mayor Cogswell assured the residents of his empathetic stance. Nonetheless, the Mayor firmly maintains that the decision to implement the curfew was rightfully made with the topmost priority being the safety of the people and the first responders.
Charleston Police Chief Chito Walker lauded the residents for adhering to the curfew orders and heeding meteorological warnings. Early on Tuesday, Mayor Cogswell announced the extension of the curfew until Wednesday morning while appealing to the citizens to remain indoors. “Our emergency crews and city staff are working around the clock to keep our residents safe. We owe it to them to stay off of the roads,” Cogswell said.
Curfew’s Impact and the Deliberations for its Continuation
Fire Chief Dan Curia emphasized the important role of the curfew in ensuring the safety of not only the public but also the first responders, as evidenced by the significant decline in call volumes overnight. Mayor Cogswell expressed gratitude to the city residents and staff for their cooperation.
Although the curfew has been extended till Wednesday morning, city officials said they will reassess the situation during their 7 a.m. briefing. Both police and fire departments have increased staffing to handle any incidents of high water and swift water rescues. Additional pumps are being used to alleviate the inundation, and National Guard resources were expected to arrive in Charleston on Tuesday.
State of Emergency in Charleston
The relentless rain due to Tropical Storm Debby prompted Mayor Cogswell to declare a state of Emergency over the weekend. The curfew was initially announced on Monday night from 11 p.m., with roads leading onto the peninsula being closed. This closure extended to the primary thoroughfares from Mount Pleasant, Interstate 26, West Ashley, James Island, and North Charleston. A total of 170 barricades were set up on vulnerable streets to enforce this closure.
The community has been advised to refer to non-emergency queries or requests to Charleston County Government, which is operating its Citizens Services Desk round the clock. Spanish-speaking services have also been made available for residents who require them.
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.
