Flooding concerns prompt state of emergency declaration by South Carolina governor

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency in South Carolina on Thursday to support response efforts to flash flooding.

Specifically, the emergency declaration is for flooding in the eastern midlands and areas of the Lowcountry.

Orangeburg County experienced significant issues on Thursday due to heavy rainfall. More than 130 road closures and the condition of some school buildings closed schools on Thursday and Friday.

Colleton County Fire Rescue warned residents that flooding was likely along the Edisto River in the coming days. The agency said the river is expected to reach a moderate flood stage, which is very close to a major flood stage, and that people should prepare now and move their vehicles and campers to higher ground.

A river flood warning is active for Orangeburg County through early Tuesday morning.

Gov. McMaster’s order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and supplements ongoing and possible future state response efforts.

“Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day,” said Gov. McMaster. “The State of Emergency will ensure that our response teams have every tool at their disposal to continue their efforts.”

Much of the flooding impacts began Wednesday when a front stalled across the southeastern region of the U.S. combined with deep tropical moisture “producing periods of substantial and sustained rainfall” in certain areas of the state. It caused – and will continue to cause – significant flash and riverine flooding, according to McMaster’s office.

Flooding along the Edisto River is expected into next week; however, the state should not see significant rainfall totals over the next few days.

McMaster’s office said residents should not drive through flooded areas or around barricades.