South Carolina Braces for Impact from Tropical Storm Debby

News Summary

Tropical Storm Debby is set to impact South Carolina significantly as it approaches from the southwest. The state has declared a State of Emergency, urging residents to prepare for heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. Local emergency services are providing sandbags and have opened shelters as weather forecasts predict historic rainfall totals. The community is encouraged to stay informed and lend support to neighbors during this challenging time.

Hello, South Carolina: Brace Yourself for Tropical Storm Debby!

The buzz around town is all about Tropical Storm Debby, which is currently swirling about 400 miles southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. As this storm makes its way northward, residents are preparing for what could be a wild ride as the storm is predicted to impact our beautiful state significantly.

State of Emergency Declared

Around 1 p.m. on Sunday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made the call to declare a State of Emergency for the entire state. This step is taken seriously, so everyone is encouraged to get their emergency kits ready and keep an eye on local weather updates as Debby is set to bring heavy rain and strong winds to our region.

Know the Storm’s Power

As of Sunday morning, Tropical Storm Debby packs a punch with maximum winds reaching up to 65 miles per hour. Residents in Jasper and Beaufort counties should be especially alert as the storm-force winds could begin affecting these areas as early as Monday morning. With high winds on the horizon, it’s vital to stay informed and prepare yourself and your family.

Preparing for the Deluge

Jasper County Emergency Services has issued warnings about the possibility of historic rainfall totals over the coming days. The National Weather Service is citing potential rainfall amounts between 10 to 30 inches in certain locations. Talk about a downpour! Historic and catastrophic flooding is expected from Tuesday through Thursday while Debby stalls over our region, which will just make everything that much worse.

Sandbags Available

In light of the expected flooding, Beaufort County has set up two sandbag pickup locations for residents. There, you can grab up to 10 free sandbags each to prepare for the floodwaters. The locations are:

9 Benton Field Road, Bluffton
80 Shanklin Road, Beaufort

These sandbags are available from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or while supplies last—so hurry on over if you need them!

Safety Preparations

It’s essential to get your home and family ready for whatever is coming. Make sure to secure any loose items outside your home, clear out your gutters, and gather important documents in a safe place. Don’t forget to stock up on non-perishable food and water. It’s also wise to keep some emergency supplies handy just in case you encounter any issues. Isolated tornadoes could pop up in coastal areas, adding another layer of unpredictability to our weather situation.

Shelters And Community Response

If you find yourself needing a safe place during the storm, a shelter has been opened in Jasper County as refuge as Debby’s winds threaten our shores. Local governments and schools are taking precautionary measures by suspending operations and closing offices for safety. It’s always better to be prepared than to be sorry! Emergency management agencies are working around the clock, closely monitoring the storm’s journey and coordinating resources.

Final Thoughts

As this storm approaches, let’s stick together and make sure that everyone in our community stays safe. Keep checking the updates, lend a helping hand to your neighbors, and take Debby seriously. We can weather this storm together, South Carolina!