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Prepare early for rain from Hurricane Sally, officials urge

Hurricane Sally is expected to bring heavy rain across the southeast, including South Carolina.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hurricane Sally is expected to bring heavy rain across the Southeast including South Carolina. With a chance of several inches predicted over the next week, some city leaders say to prepare now. 

RELATED: Heavy rainfall possible as Sally moves towards the Midlands

"A little bit of water can do a lot of damage," Red Cross Communication Director Ben Williamson said. "Flooding can be serious, make sure your homes are prepared, make sure you tie things that are outside down, make sure you bring your pets inside, if there's any hanging trees make sure those are taken care of and download an emergency app," Williamson said.

RELATED: Nearly stationary Sally is expected to make landfall Wednesday along the Alabama coast

Several city officials around the Midlands, including Newberry City Manager Matt DeWitt, say they have already started to clear drains and check out waterways.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) is asking anyone who owns or operates a dam to lower the water levels now through the next few days for any potential problems caused by heavy rain.

RELATED: DHEC asking owners, operators to check dams, lower water levels

Owners and operators of reservoirs statewide should check their dams and take appropriate steps to safely lower the...

Posted by SC DHEC on Tuesday, September 15, 2020

"What could it hurt to be prepared," DeWitt said. "We all like to think this isn't going to happen to me, but in the event that it does, it's always best to be prepared."

If needed, Williamson said the Red Cross will be ready to help in anyway they can.

"If we do have to open any shelters in South Carolina, including in the Midlands, we've got the volunteers and staff ready to do that," Williamson said. "We've mobilized and have materials in both the Upstate and center of the state if there's any flooding or flash flooding we will be able to respond."

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