COLUMBIA, S.C. – Rain Deluge Leads to State of Emergency
Heavy rains have been pouring down in Columbia, South Carolina, and it seems the skies just can’t get enough. As of Thursday night, the city found itself in quite a splash with over 10 inches of rain falling in some areas. In response to the soaking, Governor Henry McMaster made the call to declare a state of emergency at 8 p.m., but some locals felt this announcement was a little too late, given the magnitude of the downpour.
The Weather Surprise
Kim Stenson, the Director of the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD), explained that unlike previous hurricanes experienced in the area, this particular weather event caught many off guard. “We weren’t exactly expecting a rain bomb,” Stenson revealed. “Initial predictions were way off; we thought we were just going to see a few inches, not nearly a foot of rain!”
By Thursday morning, forecasts indicated that areas like Orangeburg Airport and Congaree Park were already in the six to eight inch range. However, the reality was much worse for several communities. This dramatic shift led to concerns and criticisms about the timing of the emergency declaration and whether it should have come earlier.
What Happens Next?
Stenson mentioned that when it comes to these types of weather events, declaring a state of emergency often hinges on requests for state assistance from local municipalities. In this case, Orangeburg and its neighboring counties sought help due to extensive flooding and washouts. Once those requests were made, the Emergency Operations Center was put into action to provide support and resources.
One immediate step SCEMD is taking is to deliver water to the Neeses area, where the local water treatment plant is currently out of commission. That’s gotta be frustrating for anyone in the neighborhood! And with this latest mishap, the Midlands has faced not just one but a series of weather challenges this year, including a tornado and other storms – totaling four significant weather events. Two of these events have even been declared federal natural disasters!
A Year of Challenge
“This has been a very active year,” Stenson noted, suggesting that forecasts for hurricanes and severe weather were on point. Indeed, the history of this year’s weather has already added at least 12 weather events in just the last ten years, with the recent double-whammy hurricanes pushing that figure higher.
Where’s the Damage?
As for the financial hit, Stenson said they are still assessing the impact. However, putting it into perspective, Hurricane Helene alone brought a staggering price tag of over $500 million combining federal and state assistance. So, it’s safe to say this is more than just a little inconvenience!
Help is Available
For anyone struggling amid the chaos, there’s help to be had. The Orangeburg Emergency Operations Center has opened a shelter for those in need at the Orangeburg City Gym, located at 410 Broughton Street. It’s a sobering reminder of how quickly things can change and the importance of community support during tough times.
The weather isn’t letting up just yet, so stay informed, stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. It’s always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard!
