In October 2015, historic flooding devastated much of South Carolina. Tropical Storm Joaquin, although never making landfall in the Midlands, dumped 20 inches of water on the state after linking with another weather system.
A total of 19 people died, more than 20,000 residents were displaced, and nearly 50 dams failed or were breached. At the height of the disaster, emergency crews conducted more than 1,500 water rescues, and over 500 roads and bridges were closed.
The Flood of the Century remains one of the most widespread weather events in the state’s history, prompting a major disaster declaration in 36 counties and leading to long-term changes in how South Carolina prepares for and responds to emergencies…