COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said there have been no fatalities from Tropical Storm Debby and the state is working to keep it that way, even as the threat or dangerous flooding continues.
McMaster gave an update Tuesday on the state's response at the South Carolina Emergency Operation Center in West Columbia.
McMaster said heavy rainfall has already taken place in the Lowcountry and the entire state is expected to get heavy rain through Thursday night. The highest concern, according to McMaster, may be toward the Pee Dee region near the North Carolina border.
Meteorologist John Quagliariello with the National Weather Service said 10 to 20 inches are still possible in parts of the state. He said the greatest threat remains the flooding rains, but there was a wind gust of 63 miles an hour near Folly Beach near Charleston, and there remains a risks of trees and powerlines toppling because the ground is so saturated. He also said there was damage from a total of six tornadoes that spun up late Monday into Tuesday morning.
McMaster is asking anyone who sees barricades on the roads to not move them and drive around. Justin Powell, the head of the SCDOT, said as of 1:30 p.m. Tuesday about 48 state roads were closed due to flooding, and that number is expected to go up. So far, state officials said they haven't need to do any water rescues.
South Carolina Emergency Management Director Kim Stenson said the state is now at Operating Condition 1, which is their highest level of readiness and response. The state has deployed to nine counties so far and is coordinating shelter services. State Adjutant General Van McCarty, the head of the state's National Guard, said guardsmen have already deployed and their trying to determine where the next group will go.
Debby's bands of rain began moving into South Carolina early Tuesday morning. Already much of the Midlands has experienced bouts of heavy rain and some flash flooding. The rain is expected to ramp up over the next day and the rains won't stop until late Thursday night or Friday morning.
The state is already under a state of emergency that was issued by McMaster on Sunday, and on Monday, President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for the state. A state of emergency allows the state to better coordinate with first responders. The state's emergency operations plan also is now enabled and their center in West Columbia is being staffed 24 hours a day.
Meanwhile, the state's emergency management agency said residents in South Carolina who have questions about Tropical Storm Debby can now call the state’s toll-free hotline. Operators with the State’s Public Information Phone System are available 24 hours a day for as long as needed. If you have questions about Tropical Storm Debby, such as about the state’s response or safety precautions you should take, call this hotline: 1-866-246-0133.