State of Emergency Declared in Columbia as Unprecedented Rainfall Causes Severe Flooding

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A State of Emergency Declared Amid Unprecedented Rainfall

In a surprising turn of events, Governor Henry McMaster officially declared a state of emergency in Columbia, South Carolina, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, as the Midlands faced torrential downpours that left many reeling. Reports indicated some areas were soaked with over 10 inches of rain, leading to strong feelings among residents – some believed this decision should have been made much earlier.

Rainfall Predictions Gone Wrong

The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) Director, Kim Stenson, explained that this rain event had caught many off guard. Unlike the hurricanes that typically bring chaos to the region, this unexpected deluge came with rainfall predictions that were significantly off the mark. “Initial forecasts suggested we’d only see a few inches of rain in many areas,” Stenson stated. “We were looking at about six to eight inches, which usually is manageable, not the 11, 12, 13, or even 14 inches that some places received!”

A Lesson in Weather Forecasting

These unpredictable rain patterns weren’t just isolated incidents; they were also seen on the ground with our local tracking data. By Thursday morning, reports from the Orangeburg Airport and Congaree Park were already showing rainfall totals hovering in that six to eight inch range.

The decision to declare a state of emergency hinges heavily on requests for state assistance. In this case, areas like Orangeburg reached out to state officials due to severe washouts and flooding, thereby activating the state Emergency Operations Center. As for the immediate response, SCEMD is gearing up to assist affected areas, especially in Neeses, where the local water treatment plant has become inoperable.

Multiple Weather Challenges

This state of emergency marks the fourth severe weather incident to hit the Midlands this year alone! Coupled with the recent tornadoes in Bamberg and other storm events, the stakes are high as the state faces nature’s fury. “We’ve seen so much activity lately,” said Stenson, noting that the weather service had warned the region to prepare for a busy hurricane season. “This season has been a bit more challenging than usual.”

So far this year, South Carolina has faced at least 12 adverse weather events in the last decade. Additionally, previous hurricanes have prompted federal natural disaster declarations, causing considerable disruptions.

Counting the Costs

Assessing the financial fallout from such weather events is an ongoing process, with both Emergency Operations and the Department of Transportation working together to calculate damages. For context, the economic hit from Hurricane Helene alone surpassed half a billion dollars in combined federal and state funding.

Community Support and Resources Available

During these challenging times, community support is more important than ever. The Orangeburg Emergency Operations Center has stepped up by opening a shelter for those in need. If you’re looking for a safe place, head to the Orangeburg City Gym located at 410 Broughton Street.

As this year continues to unfold, it’s crucial for residents to stay informed and prepared for whatever nature throws their way. Stay connected, reach out for assistance when needed, and let’s support each other through these stormy weather challenges!