Columbia Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Flooding
Columbia, S.C. – The state of South Carolina is in a state of emergency due to severe flooding impacting the eastern Midlands and parts of the Lowcountry. Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2024-33 to enhance the state’s response capabilities, acknowledging a growing crisis.
When and Why the Emergency Was Declared
On November 6, a stalled weather front began interacting with deep tropical moisture, leading to significant rainfall across the southeastern United States. This weather pattern has caused sustained rainfall in South Carolina, resulting in a dire situation for residents.
Extent of Flooding
The National Weather Service has reported widespread rainfall amounts between seven and ten inches in the eastern Midlands, with localized areas facing up to fifteen inches. Such heavy rainfall has drastically increased the risk of flooding, most notably along the Edisto River, where river flooding is expected to persist for several days.
Governor’s Statement
In his announcement, Governor McMaster stated, “Team South Carolina has been responding to the impacts of flooding and subsequent road closures in portions of the state throughout the day.” He emphasized that the state of emergency would provide response teams with necessary resources during this challenging time.
Public Safety Advisory
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
As the state continues to monitor the flooding situation closely, all local emergency services and community organizations are activated to provide assistance and support. Shelters and relief efforts are being coordinated for those displaced by the flooding.
Future Forecasts
The forecast indicates that the adverse conditions might continue, resulting in further potential flooding scenarios. Authorities urge residents to stay informed through weather alerts and local updates regarding road closures and safety procedures.
Conclusion
As South Carolina strives to combat the effects of this unprecedented weather event, the community is reminded of the importance of safety and preparedness. The declaration of a state of emergency is a crucial step in ensuring resources are available and effective measures are taken to mitigate damage and assist those in need.
For the latest updates on the flooding situation and related safety information, residents are encouraged to stay connected to their local news sources and community updates.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
