January 4, 2025

Temporary Road Closures and Shelter Updates After Storm Debby

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News Summary

Jasper County faces temporary road closures and shelter changes due to Tropical Storm Debby. With ongoing road construction on US321 and limited shelter usage, residents are urged to stay informed and prioritize safety amid flooding risks and infrastructure challenges.

Temporary Road Closures and Shelter Updates Following Tropical Storm Debby in Jasper County, SC

Jasper County is reeling from the impacts of Tropical Storm Debby as road closures and shelter changes unfold in the wake of the storm’s passing. Travelers on US321 should brace for significant lane and shoulder closures between Hardeeville and Tillman, commencing from December 30, 2024, and lasting until January 12, 2025, due to ongoing road construction. In light of this, caution is advised, and motorists are encouraged to explore alternate routes as minor delays might occur, although significant disruptions are not anticipated.

As conditions improve, the storm shelter located at the gymnasium of Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence, operated jointly by the American Red Cross and the Department of Social Services, will be closing its doors on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Despite being available for relief, the shelter saw limited use, with only five individuals, including one furry companion, making the decision to seek refuge there.

Shelters across Beaufort County are also following suit with closures, as the facilities in Bluffton and Burton wrapped up operations promptly at noon on the same day. Residents requiring real-time updates on shelter openings are directed to check the South Carolina Emergency Management Division’s website or reach out through an official hotline for the latest information.

The Jasper County Emergency Services Department is stressing the importance of driving safely during this transitional period and has reaffirmed that road conditions are continually monitored by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). It is imperative that residents heed warnings and refrain from driving through any standing or moving floodwaters, which may pose significant risks.

Further complicating recovery efforts, administrative offices in Jasper County will be closed today, January 1, 2025, due to exacerbated road conditions intermittuating across the area. The Ridgeland Post Office has also temporarily suspended operations after suffering damage to its roof and structural issues such as fallen ceiling tiles.

Educational institutions are feeling the effects too, as Legacy Christian Academy has canceled their scheduled orientation on August 8 due to the adverse conditions caused by the storm. However, the academy is planning to provide a digital orientation via video to ensure families remain informed.

Residents are being advised to exercise caution regarding floodwater contamination, a warning issued by the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority following the storm-induced flooding. Those living in affected areas are reminded that floodwaters may contain unseen health risks, posing potential dangers if ingested or if contact is made with the skin. Flooding has wreaked havoc on sanitary sewer infrastructure in Bluffton, Hardeeville, and Burton, raising contamination concerns among the local populace.

While the situation remains serious, it is noted that no evacuation orders were issued in Jasper County even amidst the storm’s onslaught. Although regular traffic is advised against non-emergency travel through impacted areas, residents must remain aware of lingering flooding issues that continue to impede safe mobility.

In various communities throughout Bluffton, significant flooding challenges have hindered residents’ movement, as water levels persist at obtrusive heights. In addition, reports of road washouts due to erosion from heavy rainfall have surfaced, although clear directives on repair efforts are yet to be communicated. Nearby, Captain Bill Creek’s overflow brought about concerns of near evacuations for individuals at the Jasper County Detention Center, thankfully avoided as floodwaters began to recede.

Local law enforcement continues to emphasize public safety, advising residents to remain indoors and to steer clear of floodwaters that could harbor health hazards, including the presence of wildlife and harmful bacteria. As the community begins to recover from Tropical Storm Debby, fragmented traffic, a decreased number of shelter users, and contamination concerns remain at the forefront of residents’ challenges, necessitating vigilant action and adherence to safety protocols.