LEXINGTON, S.C. — As Hurricane Helene strengths to a Category 4 hurricane, the Midlands is already experiencing heavy rains and flooding, including those in Lexington County.
News19 spoke with Lexington County officials Thursday morning. They tell us the Public Works Department has on-call crews ready and waiting for anything that could happen.
During a briefing, officials confirmed equipment, trucks and saws are fueled and barricades are ready for deployment if roads become blocked by water or debris.
"Emergency management for the county is currently at normal operations. We do not expect to see the usual possibilities of flooded roads, downed trees, power lines and debris. We continue to follow the state's recommendations of reviewing your supplies, charge electronic devices, secure any outdoor items, have multiple ways to get alerts and stay tuned to the National Weather Channel and local meteorologist as conditions change."
Lexington Police Department Public Information Officer Sergeant Cameron Mortenson says they are adding more personnel to their crews for extra help.
“We’ve reassigned our school resource officers who will not be at the school because there is e-learning. They will be assisting our patrol division. We have additional officers that will be coming out just so that we got enough resources from an officer standpoint," Mortenson said.
Mortenson adds the county is aware of some vulnerable areas prone to flooding and says with the added crew members there will be more protection if waters get too high.
“Certainly, our main corridors of 378 & South Carolina 6, and US-1 are ones that we will put officers on to ensure if its traffic signal lights go out then officers can be there.”
Residents in the area say they are getting things in order before Helene hits town saying .
One resident said his wife was the person who told him about the storm and decided to get some last minute supplies.
“I saw that it was supposed to last throughout the weekend so I wasn't too concerned about needing too much stuff to stock up," the resident said. "But, you know, power could go out, and we do have a deep freezer with items in it so we should be good for now.”
He says his job notified workers that all offices would be closed due to Helene, but he says he is prepared to be flexible if called back into the office.
“I'm in the healthcare field so they expect you to be there. If we need to, we could probably move to a different facility if it gets bad, so I am ready to be flexible.”
Emergency management officials in Lexington County advise residents to check supplies, charge electronics and be sure to stay up-to-date with all weather updates to remain safe.
Lexington School Districts will switch to e-learning on Friday, September 27th due to the storm.