Flooding concerns prompt state of emergency declaration by South Carolina governor

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – Governor Henry McMaster declared a state of emergency in South Carolina on Thursday to support response efforts to flash flooding.

Specifically, the emergency declaration is for flooding in the eastern midlands and areas of the Lowcountry.

Orangeburg County experienced significant issues on Thursday due to heavy rainfall. More than 130 road closures and the condition of some school buildings closed schools on Thursday and Friday.

Colleton County Fire Rescue warned residents that flooding was likely along the Edisto River in the coming days. The agency said the river is expected to reach a moderate flood stage, which is very close to a major flood stage, and that people should prepare now and move their vehicles and campers to higher ground.

A river flood warning is active for Orangeburg County through early Tuesday morning.

Gov. McMaster’s order activates the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan and supplements ongoing and possible future state response efforts.

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