Columbia Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Flooding
Columbia, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster has declared a State of Emergency in response to ongoing flooding affecting the eastern Midlands and parts of the Lowcountry in South Carolina. The executive order, identified as Executive Order 2024-33, aims to enhance the state’s capability to manage the severe weather impacts.
What Happened
The flooding comes after a weather front stalled in the southeastern United States, accompanied by deep tropical moisture. This weather system has been causing significant rainfall across the state since November 6. According to reports from the National Weather Service, many areas have received between seven to ten inches of rain, with localized regions experiencing up to 15 inches.
Where the Flooding Occurred
As of now, the flooding has specifically impacted areas in the eastern Midlands and the Lowcountry. It is particularly severe along the Edisto River, where officials anticipate that flooding will persist until the following week. The rainfall has resulted in numerous road closures, making travel hazardous for residents.
Response from Authorities
Governor McMaster emphasized that “Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day.” The declaration of a State of Emergency is intended to provide local and state response teams with all necessary resources to deal with this challenging situation.
Safety Measures for Residents
Looking Ahead
As the state manages the immediate effects of flooding, attention is also focused on the forecast. Continued monitoring of conditions will be essential as recovery and response efforts are implemented across the affected regions. The state is prepared to continue its response as long as needed to ensure the safety of residents.
Residents are advised to stay tuned for updates regarding road conditions, weather forecasts, and community safety information. It is expected that local emergency services will issue further guidance as they assess the ongoing situation.
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.
