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Columbia Braces for Tropical Storm Debby’s Impact

Dark clouds gather over Columbia, signaling the approach of Tropical Storm Debby.

News Summary

Columbia is preparing for Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to bring heavy rains, flooding, and gusty winds. Schools are adjusting schedules to prioritize student safety, with many opting for e-learning days or delayed openings. Additionally, municipalities are closing city services and parks. Businesses are also feeling the pinch, with some making difficult decisions amid economic downturns. As the storm approaches, residents are urged to stay safe and support one another during this challenging time.

Columbia Braces for Tropical Storm Debby’s Impact

Hey, Columbia! As you may have heard, Tropical Storm Debby is on its way, and it’s bringing heavy rains, flooding, and gusty winds with it. South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia are all gearing up for what could be a wild couple of days. If you’re in the Midlands, you may want to make sure you’ve got your emergency kits ready and your plans sorted, as several school districts have already announced changes to their schedules.

School Closures and E-Learning Days

Many schools in the Midlands are taking the storm seriously, with various districts adjusting their schedules to keep students safe. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

Calhoun County School District: Transitioning to e-learning on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Clarendon County School District: Reopening on Friday, but with a two-hour delay.
Fairfield County School District: Also set for a two-hour delay schedule on Friday.
Kershaw County School District: Planning for an e-learning day on Thursday.
Lee County School District: Continuing with e-learning on Friday.
Lexington School District One: Closed on Thursday and all afterschool programs are canceled; stay tuned for a Friday decision.
Lexington School District Two: Closed Thursday due to expected heavy rainfall.
Lexington School District Three: Scheduled for an e-learning day on Thursday.
Lexington School District Four: School is canceled on Thursday, and this will be made up later as an e-learning day.
Lexington-Richland School District Five: Schools are closed on Thursday; however, Friday marks the first day of school.
Newberry County School District: Operating normally on Wednesday and Thursday, so no changes here.
Orangeburg County School District: Reopening on Friday but with a two-hour delay; bus riders should expect to report an hour later than usual.
Richland County School District One: Closed on Thursday and will operate under a two-hour delay on Friday.
Richland County School District Two: Back on a normal schedule starting Friday.
Sumter School District: All set to reopen on Friday with a one-hour delay.

Colleges and universities are also feeling the effects of the storm. Midlands Technical College will be closed on Thursday. Meanwhile, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College is following suit with closures on the same day. Further updates will be posted online. In contrast, South Carolina State University plans to resume normal operations by noon on Thursday, and move-in dates remain unchanged.

City Services and Business Updates

It’s not just schools that are making adjustments; municipal services in Columbia and surrounding areas are also responding to the storm. The City of Cayce has closed all parks from Tuesday through the end of the week, plus Cayce City Hall and Municipal Court will be closed on Thursday. Similarly, City of Columbia released a list of flood-prone streets that folks should avoid during the storm.

The Richland County Recreation Commission has closed all facilities starting Tuesday, and the Richland Library will not operate on Thursday due to storm warnings. In a similar vein, the City of West Columbia has closed all city parks starting Tuesday, and no reopening date has been specified.

A Bit of Economic News

On a different note, a local business, Bart’s Crazy Good Coffee, has made the tough decision to permanently close one of its locations due to economic downturn, while another spot remains open for business. Also, in wider news from Kansas City, businesses there are reporting significant drops in sales due to construction affecting access. The Iowa Department of Transportation is replacing a box culvert, which has led to the closure of a northbound exit ramp for three weeks, further impacting local businesses.

As we weather this storm together, let’s stay safe and look out for one another. Make sure to check in on friends and family, and don’t forget to lend a helping hand if someone needs it. Columbia is a strong community, and we will get through this storm!